Psalm 146

Read Psalm 146

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” Every worshiper in Israel was to have a lifelong commitment to the Almighty. This devotion was not to be merely the quiet dedication of sincere hearts. The voices of God's people were to be lifted up together in singing.

Commitment to the Lord was not only about saying “yes” to Him. It included the rejection of any pretend Lord who insisted on being worshiped as a god. Israel could thank the Lord for the gift of good kings, but the people were not to put their ultimate trust in “princes.” Only God could save them. Every other being was created by the Lord. Jehovah alone was the Creator.

The “God of Jacob” would always do what was just and good. He was able and willing to help the weak. When this one true God came in person, He shined forth through His mighty works as the very Jehovah that was the hope of Israel. He opened the eyes of the blind. He gave food to the hungry. He cared for the desperate widow who had lost her only son. When this Son of God returns in glory, He will surely execute “justice for the oppressed.”

Today it may appear that the immoral and incompetent will win the day and that those who wait for good government will be forever disappointed. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus will bring the way of the wicked “to ruin.” His kingdom will not be temporary. “The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Father God, we praise You throughout our days on earth and even beyond this present age. Our hope is in You, Our Creator God, the Sustainer of all things. Your heart, O God, is perfect. Your will for Your people is wonderful. We need not fear man, or give in to foolish fears. You are the God of Your children forever and ever.