Shout Praises to The Lord

Psalms 146:1–10
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Praise plays a great role in Psalms 145-150. Each begins and ends with “Praise the Lord.” The word “praise” occurs 46 times in these six psalms. Praise for the greatness and grace of God is the subject of this psalm. The psalmist vowed to praise God all of his life because the one who made the heavens and the earth is faithful and just to the oppressed of the earth. He shows us where, why, and how to praise God. What does praise do? 

      1.   Praise takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings and focuses them on God.

      2.   Praise leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship.

      3.   Praise causes us to consider and appreciate God’s character.

      4.   Praise lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.

The Lord is to be praised, not only for His greatness in creation (vv. 1-6), but also in his provision. He shows his loving favor in many ways. He helps the oppressed (v. 7), feeds the hungry (v. 7), sets prisoners free (v. 7), makes the blind to see (v. 8), lifts the fallen (v. 8), loves the righteous (v. 8), watches over aliens (v. 9), sustains the homeless (v. 9), and frustrates the wicked (v. 9). 

Application

I want to praise the Lord as long as I live. I want to be more sensitive to His beauty in creation and move from an awareness of His power and might to a warm personal relationship with him.