The Lord is Good

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Praise

Psalm 149 could be classified as a military song, as the last part of it speaks of God’s people executing judgement on the unbelieving (v. 7). There are three sections, each for a different time in which we are to praise our Lord: (a) times of blessing (vv. 1-3), (b) times of suffering (vv. 4-6), and (c) times of warfare (vv. 7-9). God calls on Israel not only to praiseHis name but also to stand for God’s justice and to put down evil in the world. We are often open to praising God, but we’re not as interested in balancing our worship with a holy hatred of sin. While they were praising with their mouth, they were to be working with their hands, using a literal “two-edged sword” (v. 6). The Word of God is referred to as a “two-edged sword” which we are to use to fight against the evil forces of our day (Heb. 4:12). The Israelites were to count it an honor to carry out the purposes of God by inflicting judgement on the wicked (vv. 8-9).  

Psalm 150 describes where we worship, why we worship, how we worship, and who we worship: 

1.  The where of praise (v. 1) – Both in heaven and on earth.

2.  The why of praise (v. 2) – For His greatness and His mighty deeds.

3.  The how of praise (vv. 3-5) – With a full orchestra of musical instruments, including wind, string, and percussion. We are to praise with everything we have.

4.  The who of praise (v. 6) – “Everything that has breath” would include all the animals and all of mankind. One day this will certainly come to pass (Rev. 5:13). 

Praising God should be a natural part of our daily existence. How could the message be more clear? What a fitting way to end the book of praise, with a direct encouragement to you and I to praise God too. We need to remember to praise Him every day.

Application

God is to be praised for His greatness and His mighty deeds. Just as He brought the Israelites through the Red Sea (Ex. 15) he wants to deliver me from the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-10). When I am tempted to be discouraged, I need to get out my list of things I can praise the Lord for. 

Psalms 149:1-6 (English Standard Version)


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