Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, my soul!
I want to praise the Lord throughout my life. I want to make music to praise my God as long as I live.
Do not trust influential people, mortals who cannot help you.
When they breathe their last breath, they return to the ground. On that day their plans come to an end.
Blessed are those who receive help from the God of Jacob.
Their hope rests on the Lord their God, who made heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them. The Lord remains faithful forever. [vss 1-6]
He brings about justice for those who are oppressed. He gives food to those who are hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.
The Lord gives sight to blind people. The Lord straightens ⌊the backs⌋ of those who are bent over. The Lord loves righteous people.
The Lord protects foreigners. The Lord gives relief to orphans and widows. But he keeps wicked people from reaching their goal.
The Lord rules as king forever. Zion, your God rules throughout every generation. Hallelujah! [vss 7-10]
(Psalms 146:1-10 GW)
A quick look at current events around the world reveals how many disasters and turmoils exist. In one sense, it's nothing new. But our awareness of it all at one time is new because of the internet and social media.
Natural and man-made disasters have occurred throughout history. Conflict over immigration and oppression aren't just American or European issues—they're worldwide and have continued for centuries and centuries.
When atrocities and tragedies take place some common questions get asked. Where's God? Doesn't He see what's happening? Doesn't He care?
This psalm reminds us that God cares far more than anyone who's ever lived on the earth. He has always cared. God has intervened on behalf of those in need and oppressed many times throughout history. Many have testified of it over and over again.
God even came in person to provide a solution—a way of reconciling and restoring all humanity. This psalm reminds us that it's God's nature to care and to help those in need and oppressed.
Many people trust in themselves, or people with influence and wealth, or a government or a sovereign ruler. But all these are a very limited source of help and hope.
When they breathe their last breath, they return to the ground...their plans come to an end.
But those who trust in God have a more sure hope and enduring source of help. God is not limited and He is always faithful. And so, the psalmist shouts "Hallelujah!" An exclamation of praise understood around the world.
The Lord—
brings justice...gives food...sets prisoners free...gives sight...straightens...loves...protects...gives relief...and rules as king forever.
These actions are what we see in Jesus when He lived and ministered among people on earth. It's what God has always done for those who trust in Him (Isa 61:1; Luke 4:18-19).
Who are you trusting in? Do you have the sure hope found in the Lord?
There will always be uncertainty, turmoil, disasters, and oppression but the Lord is ever faithful and ready to help when you call out to Him and entrust your life to Him.
©Word-Strong_2017
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I won't cover all 150 Psalms, but do selective devotionals through the rest of Psalms.
So if I skip one that you like... let me know and I'll try to cover it!
