READ: Psalm 146-147
Psalm 146 challenges us not to put our trust in princes. We may think we
don’t do that. Our culture typically has a negative opinion about politics and
politicians. So we might be tempted to think this is not relevant to us.
However, our culture is quick to beg for income tax receipts, tax shelters,
government hand-outs, free or cheap medical care, and financial help when
disaster strikes. We may not love our politicians (princes) yet we live in a
culture that places its trust in them. It is easier for many to trust the
government to provide for their basic needs than it is to trust the Lord. We
place our trust in princes as well when we look to them to protect our rights
instead of to the Lord. This psalm reminds us there is no hope, no salvation,
in man. Governments, politicians and entire regimes will come to an end. There
is no guarantee unless our trust is in God alone who will never end and never
fail us.
Psalm 147 begins with a gentle reminder: It is good to praise the Lord
and to sing praise is fitting. This is such a simple truth, yet also profound
in its reaches and effects. To say is it fitting means praise is continually a
good and profitable thing to do. It is never out of place. When we are
brokenhearted praise brings us back to a place of hope when we praise God. When
we are enjoying blessing and prosperity praise gives our soul voice. When we
are weary praise gives us courage to press on. When we are old it gives us hope
for future generations. When we are young it gives us joy to join God’s plan.
Praise is always fitting.
Much of Psalm 147 talks about the control God has over weather and other
physical elements. God controls all of the climate, producing and placing
clouds, and making it rain. He plants grass and trees and feeds the animals
with His produce. He places the stars in the heavens and makes the sky
beautiful. One would think that with all the power and creativity He displays
for us day after day it would bring Him pleasure. Why would He do it if it
doesn’t bring Him pleasure? We learn in this psalm He creates all this for us
for one simple reason: He takes pleasure in those who fear Him. The power of
strong animals, the beauty of creation, the way He cares for every little
detail is all done to woo us to Himself. He displays His power so we might fear
Him. He creates the details so we might be in awe of Him. He does all this so
we would turn to Him, fear Him and be in a tender and loving relationship with
Him. He loves us so much.
JOURNALING
& PRAYER
1.
Ask the Lord if there is anything, even tiny, in
which you have placed your trust in the government (princes) instead of in Him.
Is the government system your ‘back-up plan’ or do you truly trust the Lord to
meet your every need? Only the Lord knows the hidden spots of your heart so ask
Him to reveal that to you. Ask Him to open your eyes to see the frailty of
government systems and the steadfast enduring provision and protection of God.
2.
Spend some time praising God. Write down some
things you can praise God for. Consider turning on some music and singing a
song of praise to Him. Remember: Praise is always fitting!
3.
Reflect on God’s kindness toward you. Ask Him to
reveal the things He is doing in your life right now to woo you with His
kindness. Worship Him for His tenderness toward you. Ask Him to speak to you
about His love for you.
