June 18, 2026 - Psalms 146-150

Well, we have come to the end of the Psalms.  The psalmist instructs us and makes a personal commitment, “Praise the LORD!  Praise the LORD, O my soul!  I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being” (146:1-2).  We are to praise the Lord, and the psalmist commits himself to doing so as long as he lives.  Dr. Walter Johnson called me, Friday evening of last week.  We were roommates at the seminary in New Orleans.  Over the years, he has been more like a brother to me than merely a friend.  I think he must have been waxing nostalgic because he sent me a photo of our graduation and wanted to talk about the years gone by (must have been cleaning out his attic or something).  It was a sweet conversation of reminiscing and remembering so many of God’s faithful and gracious dealings with the both of us over the years.  On our recent trip to Indonesia, at the seminary in Semarang, I ran into Pak Pri (in his 70s, former president of the seminary) who was my student many years ago in Indonesia.  And then, I sat in the current president’s office, Pak Rimun, another former student, and chatted for quite awhile.  What a delight those conversations were!  I am constantly running into former students all over the world and I am always reminded, as Walter and I confirmed, of God’s faithfulness.  I’m old.  I’ve seen a lot.  I’ve known a lot of people.  And when I think back on all of it, I find myself praising and thanking God.  A long life is good because it allows for a long time walking with God and seeing his goodness.  That long walk with God provides many, many reasons to thank the Lord and to praise him.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing, O earth – His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him! Hail Him! highest archangels in glory;

strength and honor give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children;

in His arms He carries them all day long.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness.

Praise Him! Praise Him ever in joyful song!   --Fanny Crosby (1869)