Read Psalm 150
Psalm 150 is the final Psalm of the book of Psalms and it has a unique purpose as we look at the book as a whole. It serves as the destination of the Psalter, and as a result, the destination of our lives. The Psalms are compiled in such a way as to make it very clear that we are to end up in praise. The book of Psalms is divided into 5 “mini-books” that each end with a word of praise or doxology. This momentum and trajectory towards praise continues to ebb and flow throughout the Psalms in a way that mimics the various situations and experiences of life in a fallen world. The constant insertion of these words of praise help confirm the overall trajectory of the Christian life as moving towards praise.
Psalm 150 is crafted to be a definitive answer to the questions of where we should praise God, why we should praise God, how we should praise God, and who should praise God. The answer to each of these questions is all-encompassing showing the pervasiveness of praise in God’s creation. The goal of all of creation is to praise God. Therefore, we should praise God everywhere, not only in the sanctuary but also in his mighty heavens (vs. 1). We should praise God not only for what he has done (his mighty deeds), but also because of who he is (his excellent greatness vs. 2). We should praise God in every way we can think to praise him, with all of our minds, bodies, and strength (vs. 3-5). Finally, EVERYONE should praise God (vs. 6).
Reading this Psalm in the midst of a fallen world can create a disconnection between this ideal and the reality that we live. After all, there are so many events and reasons that make us cool towards God and distract us from the destination of praise. Viewing this Psalm as the end of our journey is helpful in reconciling this disconnect. Jesus, as he learned to pray the Psalms as a child and as he lived in a fallen world is a great example. He did not pray Psalm 150 on the cross, but he prayed Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?…” This is not to say that Jesus was not praising God, but it is an example of how God takes our lament and every prayer that we utter from our lips by his Spirit and uses those prayers to move us towards praise. This is a gradual and building movement that is only perfected when we are in the presence of God as we enter into eternal life with him. This Psalm is a great encouragement that regardless of the season that you are in currently, your destination in Christ is one of surpassing value and worth. Even that encouragement can help us praise the Lord everywhere, for every reason, in all ways, and with everyone.
Questions
How does viewing this Psalm as a destination change your experience with reading and praying it?
Do you have a disconnect with how you praise God on Sunday morning and throughout the week? How does this Psalm address that?
Discuss how your work can be a way for you to praise God.
Think of Jesus and verse 2 together. How does Jesus help us praise God for both his mighty deeds and for his excellent greatness?
Why is God always worthy of your praise?