Six simple verses close the book of Psalms. And what are these verses about? “Praising God” is the answer!
Verse 1 tells us where we are to praise Him. “Praise God in His sanctuary.” This reminds us that God is always near to us; we are His sanctuary. God is with His children (all believers). God the Holy Spirit lives within us, He communes with us, and when we want to talk with God but don’t have the words, the Scripture tells us the Holy Spirit groans within us with words that cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
We are also to “praise Him in His mighty heaven!” Not only is God imminent (with us), but He is also transcendent (in heaven) with His mighty angels who protect us. God is not aloof and distant as many Deists thought or as some religions teach. We know that because God loves us so much He sent His one and only Son to pay the penalty for our sins and give us the promise of eternal life.
In verse 2, we learn why we are to praise Him. “Praise Him for His mighty works; praise His unequaled greatness.” What other god has shown his amazing love in taking our punishment upon himself? No, other gods only tell us how much we have to do to inherit eternal life, but we can never be sure we have done enough. But what does the Scripture say? “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” (Romans 5:6)
Verses 3-5 tell us how to give praise to God. Praise Him with r am’s horn (trumpets, etc.), lyre and harp, tambourine and dancing, strings and flutes, and loud clanging cymbals. How different it is in some churches today where the congregation may sing only two or three hymns and songs because so much of the time is taken up with other things. Also, sometimes even church leaders refuse to sing or pray during the service. Even David the king was not ashamed to sing and dance before the Lord.
The writer of this psalm gives final encouragement. “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Yes, even those who have very little musical ability can and should sing praises to the Lord.