December 30, 2023
What does it say?
The psalmist would praise and trust the Lord all of his life because His faithfulness endures. He challenged Israel to praise God for His revealed laws and Word.
What does it mean?
It’s generally thought that the last five psalms were written when the second temple was completed, and the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt. That’s a fitting explanation for why these psalms begin with the same three words, “Praise the Lord.” During Israel’s captivity and return, the writer had learned to place his hope in God instead of in people. Only the Creator of Heaven and Earth sustains the troubled, lifts up those who are humbled, and heals the brokenhearted. He will not fail those who put their trust in Him. Israel had special cause to praise the Lord; no other nation had the revelation of God’s wisdom and person through His laws and decrees. It was fitting to praise Him.
How should I respond?
What challenges are you facing right now? Whom do you trust for the answers? God can be trusted to provide what you need when you spend time in His Word and in prayer. If you’re worried, you can turn to Him for peace. If you are lonely, you can turn to Him for friendship. If your heart is broken, you can turn to Him for healing. If you feel powerless, you can turn to Him for strength. You can even thank and praise Him before the answers come because God is forever faithful to those who choose to hope in Him.