SCRIPTURE: Psalm 147:1-20
OBSERVATION:
Reasons why we should praise (say great things about) God…
— It is good and appropriate
— His care for the poor and needy
— His control and care of the universe
— His blessing and protection of His people
— His great power and unsearchable wisdom
— His special message (word) given to Israel
The word (God’s heart and mind and will ‘spoken’ to us) is what moves and controls the universe (v.18).
God heals the broken-hearted (spiritual), not just the broken-bodied (ie physical concerns).
God is the one who directs the seasons, the weather, the environment.
God’s message of salvation is a special blessing setting those who receive it apart from others (v.20).
APPLICATION:
David spends time reflecting on reasons WHY to praise God, do I?
It is not a burden to praise the Lord, the more you do it, the more of a blessing it is. It is good, pleasant and fitting to verbally express my wonder and thanks to God.
God is in control, everything works according to His sovereign good purpose, for the ultimate benefit of the poor and needy.
I appreciate the mention of the broken-hearted, often the focus seems to be on physical healing, while heart issues (including mental, emotional and behavioral) are deeper, harder to deal with.
Do I see Your message as a special blessing, one that sets me apart from othe people? Should I?
PRAYER:
Lord, there are SO MANY ways that You help me, and often I just take it for granted. I want to praise You more, and thank You for all Your many blessings to me. It is good to sing Your praises, it is pleasant and fitting! Amen.
This Psalm speaks of praise to the Lord for His involvement with His people.
I see the first part of this Psalm praising God for His restorative power. Sin has estranged creation from the Creator but God is still faithful, he upholds His creation and restores his people.
The second part reminds God’s people of two things. First, he is provider and sustainer for the people. Secondly, he reminds his people not to put trust in earthly kings or depend on other “nations” for protection. His delight is in those who fear and trust Him. How hard that is, I know. I often depend on my own strength but when my strength is spent it only adds to my shame. It is an elementary truth to trust everything to God but one of the hardest ones to carry out.
The final part of the Psalm praises the Lord for God for he is Lord over all, the ordinary and extrodinary. He is faithful to His people and to the covenant he has established with them. The covenant requires a response from His people; to obey leads to blessing and to disobey leads to disaster.
Those were but a few more random ramblings….
As soon as I read this Psalm the words of various songs came to my mind such as: “Oh God you are my God, and I will ever praise you” and another song says,”My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is NONE like you, ALL of my days, I want to praise, the wonders of your mighty love.” I praise God for the gift of music because it gives peace.
The Psalmist also reminds me once again that the earthly things is not the place of my trust. My hope is in the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. And as I can not fathome the wonders of His majestic creation, nor can I understanding how He works in and through His people His purposes to fulfil. As I stand in awe of His creation, and His wonderfil creational laws, He moves with His Spirit and works wonders in and among the peoples of the world drawing His own onto Him. Thank You Lord for melting the hearts of the people.
As I enter this day, I will continue my journey with a song of joy upon my lips and in my heart giving praise to my Father.