Praise the Lord

Psalm 146: 1 - Praise the Lord

The last five Psalms (146-150) start out with "Praise the Lord."  They paint yet another description of who God is.

For His people He:
Psalm 147 -

• gathers outcasts
• heals brokenhearted
• lifts up the humble
• takes pleasure in those who fear Him
• makes peace
• blesses
• strengthens

Psalm 149 -

• takes pleasure in us
• beautifies us in our salvation (purifies, makes holy)

For His creation He:
Psalm 147 -

• counts the number of stars
• calls them by name
• covers the heavens with clouds
• prepares the rain
• makes grass grow
• is in charge of all weather

Psalm 148 -

• commanded and established creation (man, beast and nature)

To us He is:
Psalm 146 -

• our Hope
• our Creator
• our Justice
• our Truth
• our Freedom

Psalm 147 -

• infinitely wise
• excellently great
• mighty in power

Psalm 149 -

• our Maker
• our King

He is one who:
Psalm 146 -

• opens blind eyes
• loves the righteous
• watches over strangers
• relieves the fatherless and widow
• reigns forever

I rejoice in my knowledge of Him.  I was sitting outside hearing all the sounds of nature--small birds and big, rustling leaves, chipmunks cavorting in the ground cover.  This is one of the best days for me!  There is a gentle breeze, sunshine, perfect air.  It's almost like spring. A squirrel that didn't know I was there walked by so closely. A turkey lurked at the feeder, also unaware of my presence. Birds were going about their business of feeding, without concern for my whereabouts. I almost sat on a toad nestled between the cushion which had folded over.  He began to leave until I covered him up again.

My question is:  Is this how we view God?  He is ever with us but do we see Him, do we feel His presence? Do we go happily about our day without acknowledging Him? And do we, like the toad, take cover when He is mentioned? Do we try to flee? Are we content in hiding from Him? Are we content in not learning more about Him? Are we content not praising Him?

In Luke 14:20 Jesus tells us that if we don't praise Him, even the rocks will cry out.  That doesn't say much for us.  I think He would much rather we, who have life and understanding, praise Him.  All the Bible declares His wondrous works.  It shows us His plan of salvation, His love for all (He loves the righteous and watches over strangers--those who follow Him and those who He would desire to follow Him), His sadness for those who do not long for Him.

All He wants is for us to acknowledge Him.  Look at all He has told us He is, has given us and wants to be for us in just these few Psalms.  The Bible is full of more knowledge of who He is.

Psalm 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD!