Psalm 146 reminds me of a job interview. Many people present themselves very differently from who they really are. With a one-page resume and practiced answers, applicants say all the right things. Too often that perfect candidate does not last. We can dress up and present an image, but eventually, whatever is inside will become visible to those around us. I am leery of anyone that uses lots of religious buzz-words or that wave their spiritual qualifications in my face. As in all of life, our actions speak louder than our words. The psalmist very bluntly tells us, his first priority, “I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live“. We get a sense that his words follow his actions. He adds, “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save“. Every other thing in life will fall short of our requirements. This holds true for politicians and preachers and potential spouses! When we have a need, our human tendency is to promote people above their true ability. He adds, “When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing“. Listen to the words of the experienced interviewer, “Blessed is he… whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them the Lord, who remains faithful forever“. I believe that God not only gives us His Word, but also fills us with His Spirit. These are the only two things on earth that will last. Once Born-again, we are set free to live to honor God. “The Lord sets prisoners free…lifts up those who are bowed down…loves the righteous…watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked“. I believe those that do not receive Christ will remain bound to their past, unable to experience all the new things that God has. And I am also convinced the most frustrated people in the world are those that know of God, but do not accept His offer and authority. Friend, today we are all just “temps”, eternity still awaits! “The Lord reigns forever…for all generations“.
Psalm 147 continues describing the genuine expression that follows God’s forgiveness. This is not a procedure manual; it is an uninhibited love song. “How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!” Listen to the psalmist share his joy, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name… His understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble.” Are you too calloused and scarred to believe that this kind of love is possible for you?
The psalm ends with what sounds like the many ways people react to God’s love. Some strive to earn it with good deeds. He says, “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love“. It is impossible to delight God with your goodness. Some retreat for a time of healing, “He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within“. Some reconcile with other people, “He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat“. To some the process is immediate, “His word runs swiftly“. Others take more time, “He spreads the snow… Who can withstand his icy blast?“. And after a season, blessings follow, “He sends His word and melts them… and the waters flow“. “He has revealed His word to Jacob, His laws and decrees to Israel” and now to you and me. God gave us His word to tell us what He wants. There is no need to fake it until you make it with God. After you read the “Want Ad” just show up, He will do the work on you from the inside-out. He will give you this job evaluation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).”Praise the Lord“.