Today's Reading:

Psalm 146
Psalm 147
Psalm 148
Psalm 149
Psalm 150

Pause and let these psalms remind you that praise is not earned by being perfect. It comes to us as a remembrance of God’s grace and mercy. No matter what you are going through, you can join the “Hallelujah” singing and praising the Lord. God is gracious, loving, and kind.

Just like Psalm 146, no matter what your current circumstances are, whether you are poor, oppressed, weak, or broken, God cares! You can and should worship anyway.

Is there one of these five Hallelujah psalms that speaks to you more today? Why? What verse reminds you of God’s grace?

These psalms were the final collection of the “Hallelujah” psalms. Notice that they each start and end with the phrase, “Praise the Lord!”

Psalm 146
We are called to have a lifetime commitment not to put our trust in people, but to put our trust in God. People and governments are temporary. Even the most powerful leader will eventually die. In verse 6-9, the psalm describes the Lord as the Creator, The One who keeps faith forever. The psalm goes on to describe the actions God does, and Jesus fulfills all of these characteristics. We can live a blissful life because God is our helper and the One who brings all hope.

Psalm 147
God is majestic and tender. He is awesome enough to run the universe and heal broken hearts. He has an infinite amount of power. He lifts the humble and casts down the wicked. He provides the rain and food. He is not impressed by human strength or speed, but delights in those who love and trust Him. God gave a special blessing to Israel, which is His Word, so praise Him.

Psalm 148
The psalm opens with a call to praise upward to the heavenly realms. The angels are called first because they praise and constantly worship before God’s throne (Isaiah 6, Revelation 4-5). The pagans often worship celestial stars and the moon, but instead, we are called to praise the Creator. God’s creations are sustained by His faithfulness. There was a call for all of creation to praise Him, including the chaotic sea monster (Leviathan), the weather, mountains, plants, wild and domestic animals, all of which are under God’s control. All of humanity, including the kings, princes, rulers, men, women, and children, as no one is left out, are to worship God. He is the Ultimate God. He raised up a horn (strength and victory). God’s people, especially Israel, are called to praise and honor as He makes and sustains everything by His Word.

Psalm 149
Praise and Victory. God’s people, Israel/Zion, are called to sing a new song. They are to praise the Maker/King by joyful worship of singing, dancing, and making music. The people are to rejoice day and night because of God’s justice against the oppressors. This was a “two-edged sword” of spiritual and literal warfare. The people are to execute His vengeance and judgment on evil actions by binding them in chains. They are God’s army to carry out the written judgment.

Psalm 150
This is the final psalm in the book of Psalms. Praise God in His sanctuary with musical instruments and dancing for His greatness. One of my favorite lines, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Such a fitting ending to the Hallelujah psalms.

Today's Discussion question:

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