In today’s daily devotional, we’ll conclude with Psalms 145-150—a powerful crescendo of praise that fittingly closes this ancient book of songs. These final psalms call for lifting spirits, voices, and hearts in worship. Reflecting over decades of journaling through Psalms shows how each reading can deepen the understanding of God’s greatness, His nearness, and the beauty of praising Him. Take a moment today to read or listen to Psalms 145-150 and let your spirit rise in worship as we celebrate the conclusion of this thirty-day journey. Read about the dashes in our lives by reading the daily devotional on Psalms 145-150.
Psalms 145-150 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Congratulations! You made it to day thirty of our thirty-day journey through the Book of Psalms. Today, we finish the Book of Psalms with Psalms 145-150, six psalms. The last few psalms are like a crescendo, fitting for a book of songs. Will you let your spirit soar as we conclude this book of songs and praises? Please read or listen to Psalms 145-150.
How Do I Praise the Lord?
We will finish our time in Psalms, with entries of the three years of journals we have been looking at, beginning with 1997 (NKJV). “‘Praise the Lord!’ (150:1); I need to praise God more, privately and publicly. I should sing a worship song in my quiet time and raise my hands more to God as praise and worship.”
In 2007 (NASB), ten years later, I quoted a lot of verses out of these psalms:
145:3, “His greatness is unsearchable”
145:8, He is “Slow to anger”
145:18,He “is near to all who call on him”
147:1, “praise is becoming”
147:15, “His word runs swiftly”
148:13, “His name alone is exalted”
150:1,2,3,4,5, “praise him”
“Psalms cries out ‘Praise Him, exalt Him, hallelujah!’”
What Is the Greatness of God in Psalm 145?
From my journal in 2015, “Praise psalms. What we really think the psalms are. God is the subject. Extol, bless, praise, commend, declare, meditate, sing, give thanks, speak, tell, make known, look, call on Him, fear, love Him. Praise is active, according to Psalm 145. Praise God, not man. God made heaven and earth, executes justice, gives food, sets prisoners free, opens the eyes of the blind, lifts up those bowed down, loves the righteous, watches over, upholds, reigns forever. God is active.”
Where in the Bible Does It Talk about God Naming the Stars?
I continued, “God determines the numbers of the stars, billions of them. Man has yet to find the end of them, yet man does not believe in God. ‘Great is our Lord, and abundant in power’ (147:5). We cannot comprehend that kind of God so we say He doesn’t exist. A big bang started it all. Yeah, right.”
I finished with, “‘but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love’ (147:11). All creation bows to God and praises Him. ‘His majesty is above earth and heaven’ (Ps. 148:13). God is God. We are not. According to Psalm 149:4, He ‘takes pleasure in his people’. In Psalm 149:7-9, God expects His people to execute punishment and judgement on nations and peoples. Does He still expect that today? Praise Him.”
Those were my journal entries as we close the Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms screams at us to praise God. What a journey through all 150 psalms in thirty days. And what a message. If we could sum it up in a couple of words, it would be, “Praise God!”
Does Psalm Mean Praise?
The word psalm from the Greek means song. The Hebrew name for the book translates to praises. The book of Psalms from beginning to end admonishes us to praise the Lord. The first words are, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:1-2). The last words are, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Ps. 150:6).
What Is the Importance of Meditating on God’s Word?
We are to delight in His Word and meditate in it day and night. We are to praise the Lord with every breath. We are to love the Lord and demonstrate our love in song and praise. I can do better at this, maybe you can too.
May we think about the Book of Psalms when we are joyful, grateful, thankful and want to utter praises to God. May we think of the Book of Psalms when we are troubled, depressed, lost and want to express those sentiments to God, like King David did. May we think about the Book of Psalms and reach for a song or a praise to build our personal relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is worthy. Are we willing?
As we close the Book of Psalms, would you quiet your heart before Him and whisper or shout praise to His name?
Prayer
To God be the glory, great things You have done. Thank You for the Book of Psalms. We give You praise and worship and adoration. In Jesus’ name we say, amen!
