Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 146

Psalm 146 is one of the final five psalms which are titled as “Hallelujah” psalms, psalms which simply praise God. Unlike many psalms that are prayers, some even imprecatory in nature, the theme in these final psalms is simply praise to our God. We need to understand, as good as God is to us, we were not created so that we could have nice things and an easy, fun life. We were created to glorify God.

Psalm 146:1-2
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!  I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

As Christians, have we grown closer to a life dedicated to praise and worship? Or are we still more concerned with God giving us what we want?

Psalm 146:3-4
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.  When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

The answer to all our problems will not be found in ourselves. Our government is not going to solve the issues that plague our society. The issues that break our hearts and our drive our souls into despair, cannot be solved by psychologists or by medications. Our mighty armies cannot bring peace to this earth. The only place to turn is Jesus.

Psalm 146:5-9
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;  who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;  the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.  The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

When we see the truth of who God is as this psalm declares, then we know that God, and God alone is worthy of our praise.

Psalm 146:10
The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

Amen. Praise the LORD!