Psalm 150

The last chapter in the book of Psalms is all about praising Jesus. In just six short verses, the psalmist makes it clear who we are to praise, where to give our praise, what to praise Him for, how to praise Him, and who should be doing the praising.

Who and where to praise

Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.

Psalm 150:1

The very first verse of this psalm tells us exactly who to praise. In the original Hebrew language, the word translated as Lord is Yaw or Yahweh, which is transliterated into English as God.

The second part of the verse also tells us where to praise Him. We’re to praise Him in His sanctuary (the house of God) and everywhere else. That tells us two things. First, we’re meant to worship the Lord with others which is why it’s important to attend church. Second, it tells us that we should worship Him everywhere and anywhere we happen to be.

What to praise Him for

Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Psalm 150:2

Verse 2 tells us to praise Him for the great things He has done and to praise Him for who He is. His greatness exceeds everyone else by such a vast a margin that our human minds can’t fully comprehend how great our God really is.

We should praise the Lord for the reasons given here but, if you if you think about it for a moment, I’ll bet you can come up with many specific things that He’s done for you that you can praise Him for.

How to praise Him

Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Psalm 150:3-5

Verses 3 through 5 lists types of musical instruments that can be used for worship. God loves music and He loves it when we sing loudly. So, when the musicians are worshiping God with their instruments and singing on the church stage, don’t stand silently or just mouth the words, hoping that nobody notices. Even if you’re a terrible singer, God wants you to lift your voice to Him in praise!

Who should praise the Lord

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6

Um, this includes everybody, doesn’t it? Not only does God want all people to worship the Lord but every living creature as well. This means you and me and all other living and breathing beings on the Earth.

Do you think the birds in your neighborhood know they're worshiping the Lord?

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