The Results of Praise

Psalm 149:1-9

“Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.” (Psalm 149:1)

As we saw in Psalm 148, everything on earth ought to praise God for their very existence and the things he has done for them.   God’s people ought to praise him even more than other people or things, because they have experienced even greater blessings.   They ought to sing about his blessings any time they get together. 

“Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.  Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.  For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” (Psalm 149:2-4)

One of the first things God’s people ought to be thankful for is that God made them and that he is their king.  He will straighten out the injustices they have experienced, because he loves them and has promised them eternal salvation.  They ought to sing songs of thanksgiving to him, dancing and using whatever musical instruments are available. 

“Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.  Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 149:5-9)

God’s praises should not be limited to when they meet together, however.  They should have an attitude of praise, so that they stop to thank him even while they are lying in bed.  There should be a desire to see that things are done in accordance with God’s commands, so that the wicked are unable to gain power.  When they stand for what is right, even political leaders and business men will be forced to comply with Godly principles, and the punishments determined by the courts will be according to what is right because of respect for God’s people. 

Israel repeatedly forgot about God’s blessings and went into sin, resulting in defeat and captivity, throughout the Old Testament.  America is going through a period of turmoil for the same reason.   Taking time to appreciate God’s blessings will result in greater appreciation for God, and a desire to please him, while focusing on what we want leads to resentment, disrespect, and disobedience.