God’s attributes
We’ve all heard some of these expressions, even from childhood. Short but sweet! He’s small, but he packs a big wallop! Good things come in small packages! Well, the shortest Psalm fits right into these expressions. If there were not another Psalm, this short, powerful song of praise would be sufficient for us to understand our God and our response to his attributes.
- What…we are to praise the Lord. That is the bookend for this psalm.
- Who…all nations and peoples, Jews and Gentiles.
- Why…because God’s steadfast love is ever toward us, and his faithfulness to mankind never ends.
- How…by extolling him which is to praise enthusiastically!!
Praise the Lord
No man has excuse to not recognize there is a Creator God who is worthy of our praise. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, and the things that have been made. So they (everyone) are without excuse” (Rom. 1.20).
All through the Old Testament, the prophets declared that God desired mercy and not sacrifice. We read in Hebrews about the attitude of our heart. “Through him (Jesus) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (vs. 13.15,16).
It is said that the Holy Spirit dwells in our praise. So, join with the psalmist and praise the Lord, and not just mildly, but enthusiastically. Not only in the good times but even in your trials. It’s really good medicine for your soul!
