Psalm 147:1-12 (NRSV)
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Verse 1Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
Verse 2The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
Verse 3He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
Verse 4He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.
Verse 5Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
Verse 6The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground.
Verse 7Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre.
Verse 8He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills.
Verse 9He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry.
Verse 10His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
Verse 11but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Verse 12Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
Devotion
Some say they can't sing. Are they really saying they won't sing? If you can't sing then make a joyful noise to the Lord.
This Psalm begins and ends with the word Hallelujah. It means, "Praise the Lord." When you say "Hallelujah" you are saying, "Praise the Lord!" It is good to sing praises to our God. It is pleasant and the fitting thing to do.
Speak out the acts of God as you see them in the verses. Then identify what God is doing in your own life. Verse 5 expresses God's greatness – His power and understanding. In verse 7 you are told to sing. Are you ready to sing a song? Try. If you can play a musical instrument, use it as a means of praising God. Note what gives pleasure and delight to the Lord.
Prayer
Lord, teach me how to give you pleasure and delight with my songs and praises. Amen.