READING: Psalms 146-150
It’s probably not a surprise that the book of Psalms ends with a call for praise: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). This call has echoed throughout the book like a song that bounces off the mountains. At the same time, though, the final chapters also remind us that God is the Divine Warrior — but He’s the warrior who delights in His people: “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:10-11).
God finds no pleasure in the strength of the war horse or the trained warrior. Instead, He delights in people who both fear Him and trust His unfailing love. That combination (fearing and trusting) is exactly the way we’re to live: walking in awe of His power and in wonder of His love at the same time. He is so holy that we bow in respect, and He is so loving that He continually picks us up in His presence. Our following Him pleases Him so much more than the power of military forces!
In fact, “the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory” (Psalm 149:4). He also not only gives us victory, but He will use us to bring judgment on the rebellious nations (Psalm 149:6-9). So, here’s the bottom line. The Divine Warrior loves His people. He fights the battles for us. We’re on the winning side, on the side of the One who will “inflict vengeance on the nations” (Psalm 149:7). Now, He wants us to sing His praises so loudly that all of creation joins us.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, indeed!
ACTION STEPS:
- Take time today to read Psalm 150 aloud. Praise the Lord in such a way that both you and He hear the words.
- Ask God to make you a person who fears Him and trusts Him at the same time.
PRAYER: “God, increase both my fear of You and my trust in Your unfailing love. I want You to delight in me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 1-3