Linger With the Lord – Psalm 147

A text – Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

147:1 Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
147:2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
147:3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
147:4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.
147:5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
147:6 The LORD lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground.
147:7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre.
147:8 He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills.
147:9 He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry.
147:10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
147:11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
147:20c Praise the LORD!

A reflection:

This psalm of praise is just beautiful. Contemplating this God could make you feel serene, knowing that there is order in the universe, and that, if we are living in disorder and brokenheartedness, it is only a temporary condition. This wonderful God who names each of the stars also lifts up the downtrodden human being and trips up the wicked person and the evildoers.

And what gives the Lord God pleasure? Did you see it in verses 10-11? Not a fast runner or a strong horse. Instead, people who turn to God in hope and trust, people who respect and honor God. This God is a relational God. Spend time with God to understand how much God appreciates and loves you.

So, if you are in the mood to make God smile, what should you do? Trust in God’s steadfast love and worry as little as you possibly can. Help the downtrodden when you can. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving and play the lyre if you can. Be still in the presence of God to recharge and to remind yourself of who has formed and shaped you for your mission. And then do it all over again. Linger with the Lord and begin to feel God’s presence.

Praise the Lord.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for caring so much about us. Help us to praise you, to trust in you, to know that the ills we face are temporary, and to know that you will see to our needs faithfully. Help us to build up our relationship with you.  Amen.