God’s Strengthening Word: Offering God Thanks and PraiseSample

Introduction

Psalm 146: Today and for the next four days we will be reading the concluding five psalms (146–150) in the book of Psalms. Each one begins and ends with the words “Praise the LORD!” and they form the concluding doxology of the book. These are also known as the “Hallelujah” psalms because that is the Hebrew word the writers use to bookend these chapters. Today’s reading praises God as Creator and Deliverer and emphasizes God’s concern for justice.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 146:1–2 GNT

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, my soul! I will praise him as long as I live; I will sing to my God all my life.

Reflect

Reread verses 3 and 4. These verses reflect the strong message of Israel’s prophets that the people are to place their trust in God rather than earthly leaders, wealth, foreign powers, or idols. What are the risks of putting our trust in worldly things? Why might we be tempted to do so?

Pray

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, my soul! I will praise you as long as I live, O God. I will sing to you all my life. Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, you always keep your promises; you judge in favor of the oppressed and give food to the hungry. You are king forever, and you will reign for all time! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 147: A psalm in praise of God the Almighty.