December 31, 2022
What does it say?
The psalmist invites everything that has breath to sing praise to the Lord for His creation, His compassion, His powerful acts, and supreme greatness.
What does it mean?
What a magnificent closing to the praise and prayer concert of the Scriptures! The first psalm begins with God’s blessing on the man who meditates on His Word. The last psalm ends with man and “everything that has breath” praising the Lord. At times praising God can be quiet and reflective. However, the last three psalms invite all creation to join in a worship service to praise their Creator. Those who know God have special reason to sing a new song of praise to the Lord – a song of salvation. He is the One who has washed their sins away and punished their enemies. It is right to praise God in every place, in every situation, and with every breath.
How should I respond?
How do you start and end your day? Do you wake up filled with dread as you think about the day’s events, or do you remember, “This is the day the Lord has made – let us rejoice and be glad in it”? God loves to hear your praises as you gather with others to worship, but He also finds great pleasure when your praise matches the choices you make and the way you live. Try aligning your day to the structure of the Psalms. Begin the day meditating on God’s wisdom in Scripture; let your actions throughout the day be an expression of how much you love Him, and end the day showing appreciation for who God is and giving thanks for what He has done. Will you join with all creation in praise to the Lord for His greatness? Will you thank Him right now for providing for your salvation? Determine to praise the Lord in each situation you face with every breath you have until your dying day. It will energize you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.