God’s Heart For The PoorSample

God Upholds

The last five psalms are referred to as the “Double Hallelujah Psalms” and Psalm 146 is included in that praise. In earlier psalms, the authors shared their burdens, fears, and doubts, but now we only hear praise to God.

God is always faithful to His people and never turns His back on His promises. He is worthy to receive our praise. Why? The psalmist shares several reasons here:

He upholds the cause of the oppressed by:

• Providing food for the hungry. This has the feeling of princes who abuse their power. God overrules them in order to find justice. When oppressive princes fail to provide food, God reverses their decision and feeds His people.
• Setting prisoners free. When prisoners are denied justice, falsely accused, and denied food, God will set them free in due time.
• Giving sight to the blind so they can see their needs met.
• Lifting up those who are bowed down. The oppressed and hungry prisoners are lifted up.
• Loving the righteous. These are believers who suffer for the sake of righteousness.
• Watching over the foreigner. Outsiders are often oppressed simply for who they are. God watches over them and keeps them from injustice.
• Sustaining the fatherless and the widow from abuse and injustice. He sustains the helpless.
• Frustrating the ways of the wicked. God is known for thwarting the plans of evil people.

Praising God is a choice. When our trials cloud the view of His holiness and steal our praise, we are to stop and reevaluate. God is still good. God is still just. We are not to allow our praise to be controlled by the circumstances around us. Take time today to praise God.