PSALM 66:1-8: THREE REASONS TO
PRAISE GOD FROM PSALM 66:1-8
The Psalms are filled with praises
of God. It has often been referred to as the hymnal of Israel. In it are many
obvious reasons to praise God. No matter how obvious they may be though, we too
often forget them, and for that, it is important that we are reminded by reading
the Psalms. God is worthy to be praised for the simple fact that he is God, but
Psalm 66:1-8 also gives us three simple reasons to praise God.
Psalm 66:1-8
English Standard Version (ESV)
How Awesome Are Your Deeds
To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm.
66 Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
2 sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4 All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.” Selah
2 sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4 All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.” Selah
5 Come
and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6 He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
7 who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6 He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
7 who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 Bless
our God, O peoples;
let the sound of his praise be heard,
let the sound of his praise be heard,
The Joy of God (vv. 1-4)
We
praise God for the joy that he installs in our lives. The psalmist here acknowledges
that God is awesome, that his deeds are awesome, and that he is worthy to be
praised by the nations. He installs joy within us, joy that we are undeserving
of, and for that, he is worthy to be praised.
The Works of God (vv. 5-6)
We
also praise God for his works. Verses 5-6 speak of the deeds and works of God
and even mention specifically him turning the sea into dry and, speaking of
when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. Whether we realize it or not, God’s
works make him worthy to be praised. He is mighty and has done great things.
For us to acknowledge this fact, however, we must realize his works. How often
has God done great things and not received due credit; yet when disaster
strikes, he is the first one we blame? God is worthy of our praise for his
works, both big and small. We must consider and remember his works in our
lives, especially his good deeds, of which we are all underserving. We must
praise him for his works.
The Rule of God (vv. 7-8)
We
lastly praise God, according to this passage of scripture, for his rule. The
Bible, in verse 7, says that he rules by his might forever and keeps watch over
the nations. God is in control. We should take comfort in hat fact and praise
God for it.
We
must also ask ourselves of his rule in our personal lives. Does he truly rule?
Can we truly praise him for his rule in our lives, or are we ruled by something
else? To truly praise God for his rule, he must first rule in our hearts and
very lives, but for his rule, he is worthy to be praised.
There
are three very simple reasons God is worthy to be praised. Let us not forget to
take time to praise him with our lips and with our very lives.
