Psalm 146
Sunday, 10 March 2024
“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.” -Psalm 146:5
The last five Psalms—146-150 are Psalms of praise, each beginning and ending with “Praise the LORD!” Each of these Psalms states only one thing, to praise our Lord God Almighty for His greatness.
Psalm 146:5 speaks of the blessedness of those whose hope is in the Lord; unlike the disappointment that comes to those who put their trust in “princes” –leaders, powerful people in the eyes of the world (Vs.3&4). Then the Psalmist goes on to describe the great acts of God on behalf of those who trust Him. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD . . . for it does not cease to bear fruit." God is a helper to those who trusts Him in whatever circumstance (v.5). For children of God, everything about our Father is praiseworthy. The one who waits for the Lord and trusts Him will never be ashamed. The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him (Nahum1:7). Even those with youthfulness and vitality may become weary, but they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength, according to Isaiah 40: 30-31.
The greatness of God is indescribable – a few of them are listed here by the Psalmist:
1. He is the Creator of all things (V6):- We acknowledge God as our Creator and Sustainer. Isaiah 40:28 states: Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
2. Keeps truth forever (V6):- He is faithful forever! And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret." (1Samuel15:29)
3. Executes Judgment for the oppressed (V7):- The Lord upholds the cause of those who are oppressed-The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. (Psalm103:6)
4. Gives food to the Hungry, Sets the prisoners free; Opens the eyes of the blind and Raises up those who are bowed down Vs 7&8):- They who are the marginalized in society, the Lord cares for them. These were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, during His ministry on earth. Believers have given the authority through the help of Holy Spirit— to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness (Isaiah 42:7, 61:1-3).
5. Loves the righteous (V8):- Psalm 11: 7 says: For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.
6. Preserve strangers. Relieves the fatherless and widows (V9):- God’s care is seen in the lives of the helpless. Prov.22: 22-23 states: Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
7. Reigns forever (V10):- God’s reign is for all time. "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." (Rev.11:15)
Having understood the greatness of God, let us exalt Him! Let our lives be filled with His praise!
As we praise Him, let us be His ambassadors in this world drawing others to His light. Then we can witness the greatness of God in the lives of those who are drawn to Him.
To Act on: “I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (Psalm 146:2)