In these verses, the Psalmist mentions at least one other reason for praising the Lord. Not only are we to sing joyfully, but we are to sing aloud thankfully. Our expressions of praise and rejoicing should be with joy and thanksgiving and they should be done enthusiastically as evidenced by the repeated call to "shout" to the Lord.
As if joy and thanksgiving were not enough, David moves on with an even more compelling reason to sing, praise and shout unto God - He is an awesome God.
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First, He is a "Great God." His magnitude as God is awesome. He is extreme, vast, magnificent, and so much more that makes him indescribable. As if being a "Great God" were not enough, He is also a "Great King." This speaks of His rule and reign as King as well as His Kingdom. The Psalmist seems to have no other word to appropriately describe His Godhead and Kingship beyond "Great." (Verse 3)
Second, He is the Owner of everything from the deepest valleys to the highest hills - all the land and all the sea. To say that He holds it in His hand speaks of the greatness of our God. (Verse 4-5a)
Third, He is the Creator of all that is. When my sons were younger they often asks where things come from. Where did that dog come from? Where did this car come from? Where did this fish come from? My response is always the same. God made it. Some may say that an explanation of an automobile, plant, or the reproduction of animals should be given. However, more valuable to this father is that my young sons know God, the Creator. The other explanations of specifics may come later, but the knowledge that all that we have and all that is around us is from a "Great God and King" will have an eternal impact on my sons. (Verse 5b)
The overflow of joy and thanksgiving in shouts of song and praise along with the realization of the awesomeness of God must culminate in Worship. To come into His presence and not worship Him is a contradiction of ideas. To the Hebrews the idea of worship was synonymous with bowing down before the object of adoration. Therefore, we are instructed to kneel down before the Lord. Why would we kneel before Him? Because we are overcome with joy, gratitude, and awe and He is greater than we are. Kneeling before Him shows our submissive attitude and spirit before this "Great God" whom we serve.
