Main thoughts:
We do not know anything about the background of Psalm 33. It could be written by any one from any place at any time. That is the beauty of this Psalm. It is a Psalm teaching us how and why to praise God and applies to any one in any place at any time. The first phrase connects it back to the last verse of Psalm 32. If forgiven people are to shout for joy, how are we supposed to do this? Why are we supposed to do this? Psalm 33 gives us the answer.
It is fitting
As the author takes us from Psalm 32 into Psalm 33, he lays out his most basic premise: praising God is beautiful and fitting for saints. In other words, praise is like the perfectly tailored outfit that most flatters the saint. In contrast, grumbling and complaining is like putting a pig in the parlor or placing a mud pie on a king’s head; it is completely out of place. What is the most appropriate thing for the Christian? Praising God.
How God is to be praised:
Focused on Him – God is to be the object of our worship. What He likes is all that matters. Our preferences are not welcome.
Various instruments – In this passage several instruments are mentioned. Throughout the whole of Scripture we find a wide variety of instruments being used for the worship of God. Instrumental music pleases God.
New music – God mentions multiple times that He desires for us to sing new songs. New mercies deserve new praises. God is worthy of the best of our songwriting abilities. We must constantly be singing new songs to the Lord.
With skill – God has commanded us in Ecclesiastes 9:10 to do whatever task He has given us to the best of our ability. Why should His worship be otherwise? In Malachi, God chastises those who do not give Him their best. Our music in our worship should be well-practiced and the best we have to offer God.
Loud – God desires our worship to be loud. The issue here is not volume; it is the heart. The most reserved among us has no problem being expressive and loud; all we must do is find what they are most passionate about. The Christian is to be overflowing with passion for what God has done. This should be heard in the volume of our praise.
Why?
In verses 4-5 the psalmist gives a summary that he will expound upon in the rest of the song:
God’s decrees are right (verses 6-9) – God has ordered this world perfectly
His work is done in truth (verses 10-12) – God has ordered humanity perfectly
He loves righteousness and judgment (verses 13-19) – God rules in justice over the affairs of men
The earth is full of His goodness (verses 20-22) – God’s people can rest in His goodness to them on this earth.
Application:
Is your life marked by praise as described in Psalm 33?
What is God calling you to do to worship Him?
Is there a deeper heart issue that is keeping you from worshiping God as He has prescribed?
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