Psalm 146 is likely a Psalm of David. It is the beginning of the end of the Book of Psalms. Psalms 146-150 are ‘hallelujah’ or ‘hallel’ psalms. They begin and end with "praise ye the LORD."  Regarding these five psalms, Spurgeon wrote, “We are now among the Hallelujahs. The rest of our journey lies through the Delectable Mountains. All is praise to the close of the book.”

Psalm 146 likely is composed of two equal parts. In the first, we see the happiness of those who trust in God and not in man (146:1-5). The second gives the reason of such happiness, which is drawn from God’s goodness (146:5-10).  I want to share two portions with you this morning.

146:1-2, "Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being."

The Hebrew word translated “Praise ye the LORD” in verse one is hallelujah.  It is an imperative. We are commanded to praise the Lord! It is not an option. David thus directs the people of God to praise Him. Furthermore, he directs himself to do the same. If there is a besetting sin in the people of God to this day, it is a lack of daily praise to God.  I see people who go to church and they don't sing.  I don't understand how a person redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ can be silent when it is a time designated to praise God.  Sing out for His glory!  David further promised in verse two, that as long as he lived, he would praise God and sing praises to Him.  As long as David was conscious and aware, he was determined to praise God.

146:5-7, "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God. Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever.  Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners."

Verse 5 - Happy indeed are those who put their trust and hope in the Lord God, the God of Jacob. One will never go wrong turning to and trusting in the Lord God. He will never fail His people. Are you trusting the Lord?   

Verse 6 - The God who created all things is the same God who can help us in our troubles.  He is the author of truth and He preserves it forever.  I thank God for His Word, it is a love letter from the Lord to me, it is also a love letter from the Lord to you.

Verse 7 - It is the Lord who justly helps those who have been wronged. Moreover, He provides for the needs of His people who are hungry. It is He who sets free prisoners who are unjustly held. I am so glad the Lord saved me from my sin and the kingdom of darkness in which I was held captive.  Charles Wesley wrote in the song, "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing" He breaks the power of canceled sin. He sets the prisoner free. His power can make the foulest clean. His blood avails for me.

Our Psalm ends as it began, with the plea for us to praise the Lord - Hallelujah!  

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. What is the meaning of the word hallelujah? Does its meaning change the fact of its usage in your vocabulary? Has this word been missing in your speech?

2. Did you realize we are commanded to praise the Lord? What does Luke 19:36-40 say about this subject of praise?

3. How does your life reflect that your hope is in the Lord?

4. Are you able to claim freedom in the Person of Jesus Christ? From what have you been set free?