June 7, 2023 - Psalms 145-150

The psalmist declares, “[The Lord’s] delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love” (147:10-11). These last psalms certainly are the words of those who fear the Lord and hope in him. They are filled with praises, for instance: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!” (145:8-10) & “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever” (146:5-6).

Indeed, all peoples and all things should praise our God: “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! . . . Let them [all] praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven” (148:1-2,13). “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (150:6). You have to wonder if Fanny Crosby had in mind these psalms when she wrote:

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)