Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 33

“Why am I here”, is a question man has pondered for all time. The answer is simple and is found in the scriptures.

Isaiah 43:7
Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."

We are here to bring glory to God. When we are called to salvation by God’s sovereign election, our first duty is to offer Him our worship and praise. Psalm 33 is a psalm about worship and a lesson on praise.

One of the ways to worship is through song. David explains how that should look.

Psalm 33:1-3
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright.  Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.  Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

We are to sing our praises and sing our thanksgiving out, using musical instruments. And this should be done with joy. This should be done with skill.

David explains why we should do this.

Psalm 33:4-9
For the word of the LORD is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness.  He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.  By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

God accomplishes His work by the mighty power of His Word. He speaks things into existence. This is the power of His Word.

He is sovereign over all things. Even the nations are controlled by Him. This is more reason to worship Him. This is why we need to stop complaining about our government and spend more time praying for the ones leading our nations.

Psalm 33:10-12
The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples.  The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

God is not sleeping. Things might look out of control and the world might appear to be running amok. It is not. God is fully aware. He is sovereign.

Psalm 33:13-15
The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men;  From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth,  He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.

We think that power and control come from human strength. As a nation, we want more and bigger weapons. As a people, we buy more guns and more bullets, thinking in this we are safe. Not so. Put your faith in God. Let Him be your protection.

Psalm 33:16-17
The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength.  A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

Seek first the kingdom, Jesus told us. Then all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Psalm 33:18-21
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,  To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine.  Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.  For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name.

Do as David, call out to God in prayer. Wait on Him.

Psalm 33:22
Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.

Where is your hope today? Place it in our mighty and sovereign God. Then turn your worries and your anxieties into praise and worship.