The Final Word
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 150.6
The title to this final entry in the Hebrew song book is: “Let Everything Praise the Lord.” Throughout this Psaltery one can find every possibility of praising God. It begins in Psalm 1 with a psalm of distinction. Psalm 1 introduces the collection by making a distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous, and the author suggests the possibility of approvals for those who follow the Lord – with long-range continuance of life and blessing. The same psalm indicates that those who are not righteous (not following the way of the Lord) will not only suffer loss, but will also experience destruction.
With that in mind, we understand that the same psalm of worship and/or praise that will bless the heart and soul of the believer, will speak condemnation to the unbeliever.
A most popular song is “Amazing Grace.” It has been offered at the graveside of many deceased; and, even played by Mr. Scott of the U.S.S. Enterprise on the bagpipes as they buried a crew member by sliding his coffin into space. I can’t speak for the righteousness of the crew members, but I can say that the song which gave solace to the righteous was heard by the unrighteous. Should the unrighteous not take advantage of God’s Amazing Grace, then they will one day stand and give an account for their choice.
As believers, we can walk through the pages of this wonderful book and find instruction toward righteous living, help when we are lonely, solace when we cry, rest for the weary and encouragement for the downtrodden. Those are just a few of the things that these psalms address. And, in each case we see God’s hand at work – sometimes in plain view and sometimes behind the scenes.
When Job was caught in the middle of a conversation between God and Satan, he endured even though there were times of frustration. While his unsympathetic and earthly minded friends rebuked him on every side, both God and Satan were silent. In the end, Job had no answers as to “why,” and the only rebuke God offered was “Who do you think you are?” (Job 38) One of the main messages that Job learned from all of this is that God is in control. God has not left His throne – neither in the good times nor in the bad times – not when you win the lottery or when you’re dumpster diving for a morsel of food – not when you are shooting the game-winning basket or when you are lying helpless on a hospital bed.
Job realized that the ways of God are far beyond our mental or spiritual grasp. “Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.” (Job 42.1-3) Having admitted his minuscule ability to understand, God then exhorted Job’s friends to seek out Job so Job could explain to them their need to trust in God and to worship God in faith. (Job 42.8)
The final words of this collection of songs, hymns and spiritual songs from the Old Testament are: “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” Your worship of God should not depend upon your circumstances or situations – It should depend entirely upon the greatness and goodness of the One we are worshiping. To Him alone belongs our praise.
With that in mind, we understand that the same psalm of worship and/or praise that will bless the heart and soul of the believer, will speak condemnation to the unbeliever.
A most popular song is “Amazing Grace.” It has been offered at the graveside of many deceased; and, even played by Mr. Scott of the U.S.S. Enterprise on the bagpipes as they buried a crew member by sliding his coffin into space. I can’t speak for the righteousness of the crew members, but I can say that the song which gave solace to the righteous was heard by the unrighteous. Should the unrighteous not take advantage of God’s Amazing Grace, then they will one day stand and give an account for their choice.
As believers, we can walk through the pages of this wonderful book and find instruction toward righteous living, help when we are lonely, solace when we cry, rest for the weary and encouragement for the downtrodden. Those are just a few of the things that these psalms address. And, in each case we see God’s hand at work – sometimes in plain view and sometimes behind the scenes.
When Job was caught in the middle of a conversation between God and Satan, he endured even though there were times of frustration. While his unsympathetic and earthly minded friends rebuked him on every side, both God and Satan were silent. In the end, Job had no answers as to “why,” and the only rebuke God offered was “Who do you think you are?” (Job 38) One of the main messages that Job learned from all of this is that God is in control. God has not left His throne – neither in the good times nor in the bad times – not when you win the lottery or when you’re dumpster diving for a morsel of food – not when you are shooting the game-winning basket or when you are lying helpless on a hospital bed.
Job realized that the ways of God are far beyond our mental or spiritual grasp. “Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.” (Job 42.1-3) Having admitted his minuscule ability to understand, God then exhorted Job’s friends to seek out Job so Job could explain to them their need to trust in God and to worship God in faith. (Job 42.8)
The final words of this collection of songs, hymns and spiritual songs from the Old Testament are: “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” Your worship of God should not depend upon your circumstances or situations – It should depend entirely upon the greatness and goodness of the One we are worshiping. To Him alone belongs our praise.
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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