As we reflect in our daily devotional on Psalms 65 through 68, the emphasis on praise shines through these passages, reminding us of the importance of lifting our voices in worship beyond the walls of a church. Have you ever found yourself praising God in your daily life, celebrating the blessings He bestows? Through past journal entries, we see how praise brings us closer to God and allows us to acknowledge His sovereignty, His provision, and His power. Let today’s psalms inspire you to “sing the glory of His name” (Psalm 66:2) and remember His awesome deeds, whether you’re reading or praying aloud. As we turn to Psalm 66:1-5, let’s take a moment to give thanks and honor the Lord for His mighty works in our lives. To ponder why life has so many ups and down, read the daily devotional on Psalms 58-64.
Psalms 65-68 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
We are on a thirty-day journey through the Book of Psalms; all one hundred and fifty psalms in thirty days. Today is day twelve. We will look at four psalms, praise psalms. Other than in church, do you praise God from whom all blessing flow? Please read or listen to Psalms 65-68.
What Are the Psalms of Praises?
Because of the length of the readings of previous psalms, I have not shared more than one journal entry, but today I will go back to my journal entry in 1997 (NKJV). About these four psalms, I wrote, “Praise fills the psalms. Lord, help me praise You more. ‘Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; and to You the vow shall be performed’ (Ps. 65:1). You take care of the earth. ‘Your paths drip with abundance’ (Ps. 65:11). ‘How awesome are Your works!’ (Ps. 66:3). God is all-powerful. Depend on Him to scatter the enemy. Sing and worship the Lord.”
How Does God Sustain You?
Ten years later in 2007, I wrote, “You hear prayer and You forgive. You hear and answer prayer, let the people praise You. You bless us. Blessed be the Lord who daily bears our burdens. Thank You, Lord for daily sustaining me.”
What Does It Mean to Shout for Joy?
In 2015, I wrote, “Praises due You. You hear prayer. Morning and evening we should shout for joy. They were more dependent on God to water the land and produce harvest. We are more sophisticated now, less dependent on the God of creation and harvest. We should praise the Lord. ‘How awesome are your deeds!’” (Ps. 66:3).
Does God Test Us?
Then I wrote, “God tests us and tests are not easy. Tried as silver, into the net, crushing burden through fire and water, but through testing, a place of abundance. After testing, tell people what He has done for my soul. He answers prayer. Why God blesses: that You may be known in all the earth. Israel was to share God’s saving power among the nations. God wins. His enemies will be scattered. The wicked will perish before God, but the righteous will celebrate. There is a difference. All do not go to heaven. God is for the fatherless, widows, and the needy. God is with us daily.”
How Can I Receive Power from God?
There is a lot of power in these four psalms. I hope you sensed it. I hope you receive power from the Lord by reading these psalms today. Let’s focus on Psalm 66:1-5:
Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.” Selah
Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
Do you take time to “Shout for joy to God . . . sing the glory due his name; give to him glorious praise” (66:1-2)? Do you thank Him for His awesome deeds? He is worthy of praise, glory, and honor; not just in church, but in your prayer closet. If you have never done it, take a moment to praise God out loud. Say His glorious name, acknowledge His awesome deeds (at least one) toward you, and remember what God has done for you; “sing the glory of his name!” (66:2).
Prayer
Lord, through the psalms, teach us to praise You. Teach us to worship You. Teach us to cry out to You. Teach us to long for You. Teach us to depend on You. And teach us to give You the glory for Your creation.
We learn in the psalms that You want to be with us. May we long to be with You as well. Be with us each and every day as we spend time with You in Your Word so that we may glorify You. We give You praise. In the name of Jesus, amen.
