Bible Studies

---

The Psalms
Psalm 148 – Praising God Until it Hurts


Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 1-6: “Praise the Lord from the Heavens...Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created...” – Picture the Psalmist gazing into the heavens, in awe of God’s creativity and amazing presence. He calls all heavenly and spiritual bodies to raise their voices in praise.
  
  
• 7-13: “Praise the Lord from the earth...Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and women alike, old and young together!” – All creatures of the earth, both animate and inanimate are called to praise their creator.
  
  
• 14: “He has raised up a horn for His people, praise for all His faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to Him. Praise the Lord!” – The “horn” represents the power and sovereignty of God. Through all of His creation, He has chosen His people for a divine purpose.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Are you praising the Lord? This Psalm develops an image that the entirety of God’s creation is like a majestic symphony, created distinctly unique, yet coming together in harmonious song to praise the Lord. As you lift up your portion of praise as a member of the universal choir, are you fulfilling your part, blending harmoniously with all creation? Have you been created for this purpose; His purpose?
  
  
• What stops you from praising God? When you read Psalms like this one can you put yourself in the psalmist place, looking up into the heavens and rejoicing in everything God has done for you? Or do your worries and anxieties get in the way? Are you concerned about where the money is going to come from while you look for a new job? Is an illness of a loved one weighing down your heart with hopelessness? Are you embattled with a defiant child or obnoxious boss? Do the world’s economic, political, sociologic, or environmental problems overwhelm your ability to hope and dream? Does the news of death and destruction from a world at war cause you to give up and fill you with hate? In the midst of all your problems and worries, when nothing makes sense and your battles are great, can you try praising God? Are you willing to ponder His wonder and sing His praises no matter what your situation? What is stopping you from praising God right now?
  

Promise of the Gospel:

The entire universe is a masterpiece of creation. Our individuality, the life we lead, the sorrows we face, the joys we encounter, our pain and suffering, our accomplishments, failures, love, and heartaches are all components of God’s creation. In all that we are and experience, we find ourselves as members of a majestic choir, lifting up a song of praise. It is why we have been created and from our praise, hope springs eternal. John Wesley tells us to “sing lustily and with fervor.” To do so, especially when nothing else makes sense, brings Heaven into our hearts.
Inspiration:Praise You With the Dance¹

I will sing to the Lord
And I will lift my voice
For You have heard my cry.

I will sing to the Lord
And I will lift my hands
For You have brought me out of the pit.
For You have brought me out of the pit.

And I’ll sing glory, hallelujah
I lift Your name on high
I’ll sing holy, ‘cause You’re worthy
I’ll praise You with the dance.

¹Lyrics: Mark Hall/Music: Casting Crowns, ©2003 Club Zoo Music/SWECS Music.

FUMC Devotionals

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE