Music and songs are so much a part of our lives! They can lift us up and bring joy to our hearts. So, it is no surprise that songs are included in God’s Word. Psalm 33 is a worship song — a song that calls out to us, encouraging us to praise the Lord. It also gives us some good reasons to do so! I don’t know how you’re feeling today. Maybe you’ve had a tough week and need an attitude adjustment. Or maybe you’ve had a good week and are all ready to join right in with the psalmist. Either way, this is a song of joy. Let it lift you up today!
The psalm starts by calling on the musicians to use their skills to praise God — to sing, to play instruments — to use their talents well. They are told to try something new — to sing a new song to God. And even those of us who aren’t musicians aren’t left out here. We can all do what verse 3 tells us to do. We can shout for joy! (Just don’t try this while your family members are sleeping!)
The rest of the psalm gives us lots of reasons to rejoice. We rejoice because God’s word is right and true, because God is faithful, because God’s love is unfailing. We also rejoice for all that God has done and continues to do — for creation, for God’s provision, for God’s watchcare, for his strength and never-to-be-thwarted will and purpose.
The psalm makes it even more personal in the last three verses. God is our help and shield. His unfailing love gives us hope! Let’s choose once again to rejoice as we trust in his holy name!
Mary Roller
Extended Scripture: Psalms 32–34
