This psalm of praise is a wonderful reminder to praise God in all circumstances.
One definition of the word praise is an act of expressing respect, gratitude and joy: to lift up or make God’s name high with honor and reverence.
This psalm is an encouragement to our hearts to sing to the LORD who is our Maker and King! (verse 2) “ For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation “ (verse 4) And, in Christ alone we have salvation, because of the Cross, there is always, always something to be thankful for. When our hearts are filled with thanksgiving, our souls are filled with praise to the LORD who is sovereign over all things.
“ Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds” (verse 5) The Message states we can break out in praise with joy wherever we are sitting! (or whatever the circumstances)
The past few weeks I have been dealing with some unexpected health issues, so these verses are such an encouragement and reminder to praise God in all circumstances. There have been times of fear and anxiety and I feel like my faith has been small as the mustard seed, but the LORD graciously meets me where I am and faithfully, steadfastly and abundantly provides more than I could ever ask or think; and in His grace my heart is filled with gratitude and praise!
I read this earlier this week: Joyfulness is only found in thankfulness. Which means that, because of Jesus, and right alongside our struggles, difficulties, pain there is also space for joy that is always, always still somehow possible.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
May we be a people who study His Word, trust Him wholeheartedly, praise Him with joy and find His peace daily, in all circumstances.
- Karen P.