Shout for Joy! - Psalm 33

What motivates you to praise God? Is it your mood? I am feeling good today so I will pick up a guitar and play a gospel song, listen to a gospel track, or burst out singing a gospel song. But what happens when you feel down and out? Do you find it difficult to praise him? What motivates you to praise God?  Is it duty? I am a Christian therefore it is a task that I am required to perform.  However, the psalmist of Psalm 33 is moved to praise God for different reasons.

He praises God because the God of the Bible is so glorious, unique, magnificent, powerful and deeply involved in our lives. And he invites us to do likewise.

V1, “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him”. The phrase “sing joyfully” should not be interpreted as ‘sing in tune’ or in some bazaar out of character voice or actions, but in a way that expresses great pleasure and happiness to God. He also says, “Play skilfully”. V2 – 3, “Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy.”  Praise the Lord with an instrument if you are able to.

This is the correct response for believers, those who have tasted God’s goodness and mercy. But the Psalmist also invites people from all nations to fear and deeply respect him (v8). 

Why?

Whatever he says is absolutely correct and trustworthy (v4), the Lord really delights in the right things (v5), he is all-powerful (v6 – 9), his plans are concrete (v10 – 11) and he takes the time to watch over his people (v12 – 19).

Do you see how beautiful our God is? How majestic and wonderful in all the earth? Then praise him! Not because you have to (duty) or whenever you feel like it (mood), but because of knowing who he is and what he has done and doing in you. Praise God for God!

After reading this short devotion, why don’t you read Psalm 33 and answer this question honestly, what motivates me to praise God?

May these words be a blessing to your heart!