A Blessed Nation
“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalms 33.11, 12
“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalms 33.11, 12
There is no more blessed feeling than to be in a right relationship with God. While we don’t build our lives upon fleeting emotions, we do understand that there is a wonderful, sweet peace when our lives are in agreement with our Savior.
Psalm 33 is a psalm of rejoicing from the heart and mind of an unknown author who is basking in the goodness and deliverance of the LORD (Yahweh – personal name of God). Even though we may assume the author to be David, the application of his exuberant rejoicing may be applied to any of God’s children as we realize how great our God really is. “If the purest form of a hymn is praise to God for what He is and does, this is a fine example.” (Derek Kidner)
Daniel Whedon says: “This psalm, though anonymous, undoubtedly belongs to David, and is the fresh effusion of joy and praise for some recent display of divine power and mercy in saving Israel. Evidently the nation had been imperilled {sic} by the heathen nations, (Psalm 33.10) who had been overthrown by superhuman power, (Psalm 33.16-17) as a token of distinguishing grace to God’s peculiar people. (Psalm 33.18)”
It seems to be a no-brainer to understand that if God is to bless a nation, the citizens of that nation must be walking uprightly before God. Solomon understood this concept when he wrote: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14.34) Righteousness, it seems, cannot be divorced from God’s blessings.
Just as a child receives favor from his parents for obeying, even so the child of God is blessed for maintaining a right relationship with his heavenly Father. So, too, nations which seek God’s will and follow His way will experience blessings and peace. Ultimately, the believer’s citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3.20-21) And, our allegiance is first and foremost heavenward; however, while we are in our bodies on earth, we are to be examples of the heavenly kingdom in every aspect of our lives. (I Timothy 4.12)
What many do not understand is that when a believer isn’t walking in a pure and clean relationship with God through Christ, they become mired in a personal battle within themselves. Separated from God (Isaiah 59.2), the wayward believer finds his heart torn between two worlds and unstable because he cannot possibly make righteous decisions. James reinforces this position: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1.8)
God’s Word holds the believer to a higher standard – a standard of spiritual excellence – a standard of putting Christ and His will above everything earthly. (Matthew 6.33) It is a standard in which we offer prayers and supplications for those who are in authority (Romans 13.1-7; I Timothy 2.1-4) – making Jesus our line of petition. (I Timothy 2.5)
When God’s people are in a right relationship with God, the nation will be blessed. It all begins with an individual and then spreads as God’s blessing begins to consume hearts exponentially. Maybe God is calling you to be that first one who will set the standard of spiritual excellence in a desperately needy world. (II Chronicles 7.14)
Copyright © 2026 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
Psalm 33 is a psalm of rejoicing from the heart and mind of an unknown author who is basking in the goodness and deliverance of the LORD (Yahweh – personal name of God). Even though we may assume the author to be David, the application of his exuberant rejoicing may be applied to any of God’s children as we realize how great our God really is. “If the purest form of a hymn is praise to God for what He is and does, this is a fine example.” (Derek Kidner)
Daniel Whedon says: “This psalm, though anonymous, undoubtedly belongs to David, and is the fresh effusion of joy and praise for some recent display of divine power and mercy in saving Israel. Evidently the nation had been imperilled {sic} by the heathen nations, (Psalm 33.10) who had been overthrown by superhuman power, (Psalm 33.16-17) as a token of distinguishing grace to God’s peculiar people. (Psalm 33.18)”
It seems to be a no-brainer to understand that if God is to bless a nation, the citizens of that nation must be walking uprightly before God. Solomon understood this concept when he wrote: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14.34) Righteousness, it seems, cannot be divorced from God’s blessings.
Just as a child receives favor from his parents for obeying, even so the child of God is blessed for maintaining a right relationship with his heavenly Father. So, too, nations which seek God’s will and follow His way will experience blessings and peace. Ultimately, the believer’s citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3.20-21) And, our allegiance is first and foremost heavenward; however, while we are in our bodies on earth, we are to be examples of the heavenly kingdom in every aspect of our lives. (I Timothy 4.12)
What many do not understand is that when a believer isn’t walking in a pure and clean relationship with God through Christ, they become mired in a personal battle within themselves. Separated from God (Isaiah 59.2), the wayward believer finds his heart torn between two worlds and unstable because he cannot possibly make righteous decisions. James reinforces this position: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1.8)
God’s Word holds the believer to a higher standard – a standard of spiritual excellence – a standard of putting Christ and His will above everything earthly. (Matthew 6.33) It is a standard in which we offer prayers and supplications for those who are in authority (Romans 13.1-7; I Timothy 2.1-4) – making Jesus our line of petition. (I Timothy 2.5)
When God’s people are in a right relationship with God, the nation will be blessed. It all begins with an individual and then spreads as God’s blessing begins to consume hearts exponentially. Maybe God is calling you to be that first one who will set the standard of spiritual excellence in a desperately needy world. (II Chronicles 7.14)
Copyright © 2026 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/
FaceBook page: facebook.com/groups/
Website: firstemmanuelbaptistchurch.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@firstemmanuelbaptistchurch?si=bqoLMLz6UMC_-9no