Psalm 150

Scripture  Psalm 150:1-2   

Praise the Lord.  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.  Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Observation-What does it say?  The fifth book of psalms includes Psalm 107-150, many of which are attributed to David.  The last five psalms, 146-150, are attributed to other authors.  This particular psalm may have been specifically written to close out the book.  It is like the climactic closing of a story.  It encourages all of creation to praise God, not only in the sanctuary, but also in all of the earth.  He is worthy of praise because of His great works.   Understanding-What does it mean?  A few years ago our middle son was having some serious issues with his digestion.  At one point, he was only eating a few bites of food at any meal, he wasn’t gaining weight, and he had very little energy.  It didn’t take an advanced medical degree to tell something was majorly wrong.  So, we began seeking expert help.  As we began going to gastroenterology specialists, the answers we were getting neither made sense nor seemed to be working.  They all stated he had Colitis and would need to put him on medication, which would eventually adversely affect his digestive system.  So we began looking into “alternative” medicines and more holistic remedies, like alternative diets.  During our research, we found several people who had a similar diagnosis who were having good results with chiropractic care.  As it turns out, there are nerves in your spine that connect to your stomach and can cause inflammation when the spine is out of alignment.  But when the spine is in alignment, the body can heal itself of many ailments. Similarly, when our spiritual life is out of alignment, it can have negative impacts on our life.  All throughout the old testament, Israel walked away from God and worshiped other gods.  They would turn to man made things, and walk away from God’s blessing.  Despite all God’s great acts, like clearing the Red Sea, bringing down manna from heaven, knocking down the walls of Jericho, etc., Israel would turn to other things.  But, when they repented and assumed a posture of worship, God would gracefully bring them back into His blessing.  When we offer praise and worship to God, we work on our own posture, gaining the humility to hope in Him and accept his greatness and control in our lives. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 Life Application  Holy Spirit, when my life gets out of alignment, help me to assume a posture of worship.  Help me to remember your faithfulness in my life, the evidence of Your great works.  For when I am low, You will carry me and lift me up.  You are glorious and worthy to be praised.

-Tyler Galloway