In this song of praise, the psalmist tells the people to place their confidence in the Lord, not people. Here’s the psalm in its entirety: “Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, I tell myself. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God even with my dying breath. (Yes, Lord! Notice the psalmist says, “Praise the Lord, I tell myself.” He is telling us that recognizing God is a conscious choice. We have to tell ourselves that the Lord is worthy to be praised. When we think about just waking up in the morning, it’s imperative that we think about who allowed us to do so, who allowed us to take another breath. Don’t be confused…you haven’t done anything on your own. God is allowing your heart to beat, your lungs to expand, and your mind to think. Therefore, praise the Lord fervently as long you are living!) Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When their breathing stops, they return to the earth, and in a moment all their plans come to an end. But happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever, who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. (Wow! Don’t get it twisted people…God is the one who lifts you up, who prospers you, and protects and takes care of you! There are many people who believe differently, and believe that God has nothing to do with their success. Lord, reveal yourself to those who doubt you, and show them who you are. Show up in their lives, in a way, that they can no longer deny your presence in their lives.)
The Lord will reign forever. O Jerusalem, your God is King in every generation!
Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 146)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us see you, and select you as our helper! Help us recognize where true happiness comes from. Reveal yourself, Lord, and make us all believers! We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Comments