What a short psalm! But what a powerful message! I think it noteworthy that this is the “shortest” chapter in the Bible, and the “middle” chapter of the Bible. An accident? I don’t think so. God inspired and directed his Word in such a beautiful way.
The message is clear – “Praise the Lord, all you nations.” All means everyone, not just me and you, our neighbors and the folks we see in church on Sunday. All people on earth. Why? Because God loves us ALL! That can be hard for us to get our minds around, right?
How can God love everybody? We all know people who are definitely NOT lovable. Others whose lives are so messed up. But no matter, God loves them, too. Unfailing love and faithfulness forever is how God works.
Not one of us can say,”the Lord wasn’t there for me” or “God has never done anything for me before.” He was there, perhaps we didn’t see him. This chapter contradicts those claims in a big way.
Remember this psalm. It’s short. It’s powerful. It sums up truth in a nice little package. It may come in handy for you to use when witnessing to others included in the “all” who don’t yet know God.
Think for a moment what this world would look like if EVERYONE was praising God. I want to stay in this moment, how about you? With reports of shootings, kidnappings, ritualistic atrocities, and war, not to mention what is happening privately in our own homes and communities, such a world would be like heaven. When I think of what is actually happening around us, a movement away from God, I am more than saddened.
God’s ideal for us and from us is not being met. How can we change this? Can we start a ripple where we are?
We can live our own lives pleasing God and praising him with our words and actions. We can encourage those around us, lead by example and start the movement back toward God. What can you be doing now within your circle of influence to start this movement?
Let’s pray. Father, help me love like you love and walk by faith. Help me to see the needs of others and help them where they are to grow closer to you. Help me not to judge as that is not my place. Fill me with your compassion that I might walk with grace to spread the truth about you in the darkness of this world. Give me courage to speak and be your light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
