A Psalm of Praise

A Psalm of Praise Psalm 150

The Hebrew title of the book of Psalms is “Book of Praises.” The book ends with 5 psalms devoted to praise which all focus on God who alone is worthy to be praised. Each of the last five psalms begins and ends with Hallelu Yah—the Hebrew for “praise the Lord.” Psalm 150 is the climax and the book ends with a call for universal praise to God (150:6). It always seems easier to grumble and complain than it does to praise. We grumble about the weather, the crowded trains, and the traffic. We complain about our neighbors or people at work. They do things that bother us or say things that hurt us and we complain. We grumble because we don’t have enough money. Too often we focus on ourselves—our problems, our feelings, our circumstances, rather than focusing on God. And so we complain rather than praise God. We need to learn to keep our eyes on the Lord and praise Him. Psalm 150 is a good “hymn” to help us do that. Every sentence begins with the word praise. The sentences in Hebrew are very short—it is almost as if the psalmist cannot wait to say praise. In every sentence except one there only two words between one Hallelu and the next! 13 times in 6 short verses —“praise the Lord.” This psalm teaches us how to praise the Lord. The psalm answers 4 questions. Where are we to praise the Lord (verse 1)? Why are we to praise the Lord (v. 2)? How are we to praise the Lord (vv.3-5)? And who is to praise the Lord (v. 6)?

First, where are we to praise the Lord? The psalmist answers this question in verse 1 and says we are to praise the Lord everywhere. The word sanctuary refers to God’s dwelling place (either in heaven or the temple on earth). God hears and helps us wherever we call on Him. We are to praise Him wherever we are. Not only people but angels join in praise to God. The whole creation everywhere is to praise God. Our praise should not stop when we go home on Sunday. We are to praise the Lord wherever we are. At work, at school, at home, at the store, on the train—everywhere!

Second, why are we to praise the Lord? The psalmist first mentions the demonstration of God’s power in history (150:2). We think of the creation of the world. Verse 1 speaks of the mighty heavens. Creation shows the great power and wisdom of God. Psalm 19:1 says that the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies display His marvelous work. He made everything and He keeps everything going. We also remember what God has done to save us (see Psalm 20:6). God sent His Son to deliver us and save us from sin. He has given us new life, new hope, and new joy. “Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare His praise?” (Psalm 106:2) When things go wrong and we want to complain, remember what God has done and praise Him for His mighty works. Praise Him and speak of His wonderful power and love. The most powerful people in the world are nothing compared to God. He is the great Creator and the Redeemer. He is the One who has done great things for us and worked in our hearts and lives. We should never stop praising Him for all He has done —especially when we remember how He gave His one and only Son for us. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3) We are also to praise God for His surpassing greatness. The Bible tells us about the greatness of God’s power, His holiness, His faithfulness and His love. His greatness is seen not just in how He made the universe and sustains it, but especially in His mercy and love. The real wonder is not that God is great and holy, but that He stoops to save us sinners. This is the ultimate reason for praise. We praise Him because of His infinite grace. A holy God has made a way through the sacrifice of His Son so that our sins could be forgiven and we could become His children. His love is the central theme of our praise, and that love is seen most clearly in Christ (Romans 5:8). We praise God for what He has done and we praise Him for who He is. He alone is worthy to be praised and He is worthy of all our praise. Others have very little for which to praise their gods. Moses had seen the Lord’s greatness and said, “What god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do?” (Deuteronomy 3:24) Psalm 115:4-8 gives a vivid picture of how powerless idols are. Our God, the living and true God, remembers us, helps us, and He blesses us. We should never stop praising Him.

How are we to praise the Lord? Some people like silence and quiet. Others like traditions from the past. Some prefer spontaneity. What the psalmist teaches in verses 3-5 is the appropriateness of music and especially instruments. Every kind of instrument—wind, string, and percussion is used to praise the Lord. Dancing, to show joy and praise, was also a way to praise the Lord (see Psalm 149:3). In the Old Testament we read of women who danced on occasions of celebration. After the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea and were saved from the Egyptians, women danced (Exodus 15:20-21). After military victories, there was dancing to praise the Lord (1 Samuel 18:6). Music has great power to unite people. Music has played an important part in evangelism and revivals. A hymnal is a wonderful help for praising the Lord. Freedom and order should characterize our praise. It is easy to go to one extreme of the other. In some churches worship is all order, a stereotyped routine. Other churches are all freedom with little control. Balance is important (1 Corinthians 14:40). We should praise and worship the Lord with freedom and not be bound by traditions. Some want to express their praise through clapping hands or lifting up their hands (Psalm 63:4). We should be open to whatever fits with the Bible and helps express our praise. How are we to praise the Lord? With whatever is most helpful. In this psalm we see all kinds of instruments and physical expression used to praise the Lord.

Who is to praise the Lord? Praise to God is not just done by pastor or missionary but by all God’s people. Not just by Christians but by all people. Not just by specially trained singers or those who have been blessed. Praise is to be offered by all people everywhere and at all times. In sickness and in health, when we are young and when we are old, in times of trouble and in times of joy. John Wesley’s mother Susanna told her children, “As soon as I go to heaven, sing a psalm of praise to God.” Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. This means not just people but the whole animate creation. All animals, every living thing is to join in the chorus of praise. The universe is the Lord’s and all its inhabitants are to be His worshippers. Every creature in heaven and on earth is to praise the Lord. A universal choir is needed to praise our great God. The psalmist wants everyone to praise God. One day we will be gathered before the throne of God and will sing with the angels eternal praise to God. This psalm is picture of what heaven will be like through all eternity (see Revelation 19:1-7). Praise it to characterize our lives as Christians. People should see that we praise God. A life of praise in the midst of problems is a wonderful witness to those around us who do not yet believe in Christ. We are to praise the Lord everywhere and all the time. Not just on Sunday or in church. We praise Him for His power and greatness and love. We remember His love and faithfulness and praise the Lord. We praise Him with all our strength. With joy and music—every way we can. Our wonderful God deserves universal praise. We will spend eternity in heaven praising the Lord. May we be those who praise Him with grateful hearts while we are here on earth. May our church be one in which the praises of God are heard—not grumbling or complaining or fighting, but only praise to God. This month especially we praise God for sending His Son to earth to be our Savior. Luke 1 and 2 tell us about the birth of Jesus and those chapters are full of praise. Mary sang a song of praise (Luke 1:46-55). God had not forgotten His promise to help His people. John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, praised the Lord because God had sent a Savior (Luke 1:68-69). The angels praised God that first Christmas as they told the shepherds about the Savior who had been born (Luke 2:10-14). Simeon took Jesus in his arms at the temple and praised God. “Lord, now I can die in peace! I have seen the Savior You have given to all people.” (Luke 2:28-29). God gave His Son for us all because of His great love for us. We praise the Lord as we remember again His death for us.