If you're familiar with the blue Psalter Hymnal, published by the Board of Publications of Christian Reformed Church in 1976, you may well know and love #304, "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah," which is based on Psalm 148. The song's rousing refrain contains antiphonal singing between the men's and women's parts. You may be able to listen … Continue reading Creation’s Praise, Psalm 148
Broken hearts and changing seasons, Psalm 147
Praise builds as we near the end of the Psalter, and Psalm 147 overflows with praise. It also begins with a section of great comfort to the brokenhearted then cycles through sections with seasonal imagery. Identical praise phrases bookend the psalm. Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for … Continue reading Broken hearts and changing seasons, Psalm 147
No trust in princes, Psalm 146
After two great sermons yesterday from Philippians that stressed our need to delight in Christ and imitate his servant attitude, my spirit rejoices as Psalm 146 conveys delight and trust in the Lord as our only hope. The psalm begins, as so many do, with a rousing call of praise: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, … Continue reading No trust in princes, Psalm 146
Generational Praise, Psalm 145
As a new church school year begins, the covenantal character of Psalm 145 particularly strikes me. Instruction of covenant youth occupies a huge portion of my thoughts lately. I serve as the secretary for our church's Youth Education Committee and we've been busy getting materials and instructors lined up for the church school year. I … Continue reading Generational Praise, Psalm 145
Plants and pillars, Psalm 144
Reformed folks emphasize the covenant, God's promises to believers and their children throughout all of history, and Psalm 144 contains two beautiful similes for covenant children: sons like plants full-grown and daughters like a palace's corner pillars (Psalm 144:12, ESV). What beautiful images of children who grow into godly adults doing what God created them to … Continue reading Plants and pillars, Psalm 144
The thirsting soul of Psalm 143
Christians battle the devil, the world, and our own flesh. The conflict often wages on all three fronts. We grow weary and long for victory, or at least furlough from the front lines. In Psalm 143, David conveys his weariness and his awareness of personal sin. Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to … Continue reading The thirsting soul of Psalm 143
Poured out complaint, Psalm 142
While David was hiding in a cave, he poured out his heart in this lament to God. Most of us become uncomfortable when praying aloud, but David emphasizes that this prayer is vocalized. With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. I pour out … Continue reading Poured out complaint, Psalm 142
Passing by safely, Psalm 141
David was obviously in deep distress when he wrote this psalm. No biblical author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, portrays a wider range of human emotions than David in his psalms. When we struggle emotionally, we can remind ourselves that we are in good company. David was a man after God's own heart. The psalm … Continue reading Passing by safely, Psalm 141
Executing Justice, Psalm 140
Psalm 140 begins darkly, but ends in the light. It was written by David, who was persecuted and maligned by Saul and his counselors as well as betrayed by Doeg. It applies to believers today who are persecuted and betrayed, not only in other lands, but also in our own society where evil flourishes and deceit thrives—sometimes … Continue reading Executing Justice, Psalm 140
Completely known, Psalm 139
Psalm 139 contains well-known verses that have become a rallying cry for the pro-life movement, but I maintain that the entire Bible affirms the unborn child's personhood. And Psalm 139 contains so much more than those few verses speaking about God creating a child in the womb. The entire psalm speaks about God's intimate and … Continue reading Completely known, Psalm 139
Glenda Faye Mathes 