Read Psalm 146
Questions from the Scripture text: With what double command does the psalm begin (Psalm 146:1)? Especially unto what? What has His praise as its purpose (Psalm 146:2)? In what mustn’t they trust (Psalm 146:3a)? Why not (Psalm 146:3-4)? What comes to the one who trusts correctly (Psalm 146:5)? What has He done (Psalm 146:6a–b)? What nine other things does He do for whom (Psalm 146:6-9b)? But what does He do to whom (Psalm 146:9c)? What will He do, for how long (Psalm 146:10a–b)? What does He specifically call Himself in verse 10b? How are we to respond (verse 10c)?
Why do we exist? Psalm 146 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we exist to praise God.
Praising the Lord is your purpose, Psalm 146:1–2. From God, and through Him, and to Him are all things, to Him be the glory forever (cf. Romans 11:36). But in Him, we live and move and have our being (cf. Acts 17:28). All creatures exist for His glory. But men are especially created to give Him praise. This is the purpose of our soul (Psalm 146:1b). That is the reason that we live (Psalm 146:2a). And saints are, all the more, redeemed unto their own covenant God to give Him that praise; this is why they have their new, regenerate being (verse 2b). If you are a human, you exist to praise Him. If He is “your God,” this is why You have been redeemed: to praise Him with your soul, to praise Him with your life!
Trusting the Lord is your hope, Psalm 146:3-5. One of the reasons that people fail to praise is that they fail to trust. Instead of trusting the Lord Himself, they trust means that the Lord uses to care for us. Princes are a blessing from God. Civil magistrates, and civil authority, are instruments that He uses for our good. But they’re creatures that the Creator employs. There is no help in the actual son of man (Psalm 146:3b), or life in him (Psalm 146:4a), or hope in his plans (verse 4b). But our help is in our own covenant God (Psalm 146:5a), Who is YHWH Himself (verse 5b). In Him there is infinite help, and infinite life, and sure and effectual plans and purposes.
Behold the Lord in His work, Psalm 146:6-9. God’s works show His character. They are a summons to praise. When we look up into the heavens that He made or consider the wonders that He has made on the earth (Psalm 146:6a), it’s a call to praise. When we consider the vast seas and the creatures in their depths (verse 6b), it’s a call to praise. When we see that His works of providence are perfectly reliable expressions of His faithful character, it’s a call to praise (verse 6c). Whenever there is justice, it is from Him, and a call to praise (Psalm 146:7a). Whenever there is food, it is from Him, and a call to praise (verse 7b). Those who are His cannot remain prisoners (verse 7c), or blind (Psalm 146:8a), or bowed down (verse 8b). And when these things end in time; or, whenever we look forward to their ending in glory, it’s a call to praise. Whenever we have confidence by right standing with Him, or realize that it was His love that gave us this righteousness (verse 8c), it’s a call to praise. When we consider the plight of the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow—and realize that He considers them all the more (Psalm 146:9a–b)—it’s a call to praise. And even when we see the wicked in his ways, and know that the Lord has ordained even that for good (verse 9c, cf. Genesis 50:20, Acts 4:27–28), it’s a call to praise.
Enjoy the beginnings of forever, Psalm 146:10. The Lord will reign forever (verse 10a). And He does so not only as the Creator and King, but Zion’s own covenant God (verse 10b). Dear believing reader, when you are praising God as your Hope, and responding to His creation and providence, you are enjoying heaven and earth. Praise the Lord (verse 10c)!
How does your life show that its purpose is praising the Lord? What are some occasions on which you regularly see the glory of God in His works of creation? What are some occasions on which you regularly see the glory of God in His works of providence? How are you responding to these calls to praise?
Sample prayer: Lord, we praise You with our soul, our life, our being. Having You as our own, covenant God is our blessedness and our hope. We see Your glorious character in all of Your works of creation and in all Your works of providence. You, our God, will reign forever and ever. By Your grace, make us to praise You forever, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP146 “Praise the Lord” or TPH146 “Praise the Lord! My Soul, O Praise Him!”
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