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From the Pastor's Desk:
 
April 9, 2026 
 
Scripture Focus: KJV Psalms 135:1-3

"1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,
3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant."

Dear Church Family,

As I spent time in Psalm 135 this week, I was struck by how simply and beautifully it reminds us why praise matters. These opening lines of the psalm aren’t commands meant to pressure us, they’re invitations. The writer is calling God’s people to pause, look around, and remember who God is and why He deserves our gratitude.

The psalmist highlights two things in particular:

God’s goodness is not theoretical—it’s personal.

When the Psalm says the Lord is “good,” it’s pointing to His character, His consistency, and His care. It’s the kind of goodness we’ve seen in answered prayers, unexpected strength, quiet comfort, and the ways He has carried us through seasons we didn’t think we’d survive.

God’s name is “pleasant,” meaning it brings reassurance.

In Scripture, a name reflects identity. Calling God’s name “pleasant” is a way of saying that remembering who He is brings peace. His name reminds us that He is faithful, present, and attentive to His people.

So when the Psalm invites us to praise, it isn’t asking us to manufacture emotion. It’s inviting us to respond to what is already true: God has been good, and His presence brings joy. Praise becomes less about performance and more about recognition—seeing God’s hand in our lives and acknowledging Him with gratitude.

As you move through the week, I encourage you to take a moment each day to notice one expression of God’s goodness. It might be something small, something quiet, or something long-awaited. When you find yourself "standing" in your workplace, your kitchen, or your neighborhood, remember that you are a servant of the Lord. Taking a moment to acknowledge His goodness isn't just a religious exercise; it's a way to find peace in the middle of a busy life. Let that awareness become your offering of praise.

Grace and peace to you,
Pastor/Elder Donald Bridgett