Sing to God, praise his name; exalt the rider of the clouds. Rejoice before him whose name is the LORD. Psalms 68:5 NABRE
This hymn opens proclaiming God’s power over His enemies, it then celebrates how that power is manifested and it ends by inviting the listener to acknowledge God’s power in heaven and in the temple. The heart of the psalm contains invitations to praise God and various words of praise addressed to God. Praise is offered by ancient Israel in this psalm by recalling their history and celebrating the temple of Jerusalem. The quoted verse praises God and reveals a God who cares for the needy and disadvantaged. God is Father to those without a father and protector of the widow. God gives the desolate a home, he leads prisoners to prosperity. Jesus would later proclaim we should feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit those in prison, comfort the sick and bury the dead, an idea that seems to expand God’s care. We also see in this psalm God ascends which Paul uses in discussing the ascension of Christ in Ephesians 4:8 “He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.” In Paul’s version Christ frees those who were hopeless and sends the Holy Spirit to those he left to share His message. Overall we see the people aware that God is protector and He sends our redeemer who saves and cares for us.
Israel is a rare religion having one God and knowing God is taking care of them, and He is worthy of praise. They are willing to seek forgiveness in their failures and praise of God when their prayer was in the right place. We can learn from this psalm that God wants to care for us, Jesus wants the best for us, and we should be thankful and open to Their aide.
Do you thank God for all you have? Can you see how God has helped in your journey?
Israel is a rare religion having one God and knowing God is taking care of them, and He is worthy of praise. They are willing to seek forgiveness in their failures and praise of God when their prayer was in the right place. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #praise #thanks#Psalm #everybodyalways #god#jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways