SATURDAY, AUGUST 4
Psalm 33:1-22
1 Chronicles 16:23

“I will sing unto the LORD …”

SING PRAISES TO GOD, OUR CREATOR AND PROVIDER

This Psalm exhorts God’s people to praise Him with the help of musical instruments, such as harp and psaltery, and “an instrument of ten strings.” We are to sing “a new song” to the skillful accompaniment of such instruments, “with a loud noise.” There is definitely a ministry of music in the Church. David himself is the progenitor of psalmody and of choral singing. “A new song” reminds us to choose appropriate hymns for every occasion of worship. Music is next to theology, says Martin Luther. Tailoring our hymns to the message is of utmost importance.

Why should we praise the Lord with such zeal and devotion? Because He is a righteous God, full of goodness and truth. He is our Creator Omnipotent, “for he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast” (Ps 33:9). He created the heavens with all the stars and planets, even the angels among “all the host of them” (Ps 33:6). He created the seas and oceans that all the inhabitants of the earth should stand in awe of Him (Ps 33:8).

The Lord rules and overrules the thoughts and scheming of heathen nations and blesses the nation that puts her trust in God. He is not unmindful of every individual. All men equally owe the possession of life to the Creator, and have therefore no reason to boast in themselves. “He considereth all their works” (Ps 33:15) means He reads the secret design in their outward behaviour, and resolves the apparent good into its real elements. As Provider and Governor over all mankind, He is the one we should look up to. He is ready to help the poor and needy who fear Him and hope in His mercy (Ps 33:18). To trust in the outward power of kings and mighty men, and not to trust in Him our Provider, is fatal. Therefore, as we praise our God, we are drawn closer to put our trust in Him. That He keeps us alive in times of famine and economic depression, and protects us from all evil, should stir our hearts to praise Him forever more.

THOUGHT: Do I give thanks before my three meals? Do I praise God for a safe flight home from business or from pleasure? Do I honour the Lord with my substance when He has increased my earnings?
PRAYER: May I praise Thee more, O Lord, for there is so much to praise.