Strength from the Lord
Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. Psalm 146:1-5
The Book of Psalms is known for its expression of praise and worship to the Lord. The last five chapters of Psalms begin and end with a declaration of praise. Throughout the book, God is exalted because of His wondrous work in times of plenty, in seasons of joy, as well as periods of trials. Praise is expressed because of God’s constant awareness on the events that are taking place in the lives of His people. From the text, the Psalmist uttered his praise because God is trustworthy. He is always ready to provide salvation to those who place their trust in Him. This is in contrast to what others trust in their lives; “in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Just like us they too will perish as well as their plans. No matter how powerful they are in terms of intelligence and material possessions, death will be certain for life here on earth will cease and everything will return to dust. “For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return” Genesis 3:19). For the Psalmist, these are statements of facts and realities. But he expressed it not out of fear for he believed that God is there to help those whose hope is in the Lord (v. 5). He’s confidence is in God for He himself is eternal (v. 10). He alone could provide freedom, purpose, and light so that those who are in darkness could be freed (vv. 6-9). This is what Christ had accomplished for us when He came. “And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News” (2 Timothy 1:10). People will fail us on their promises, but just like what the Psalmist believed God alone is capable of fulfilling all His promises. No matter how bleak and difficult the future may look like, you can always find peace and strength in God. “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24).
Blessings,
