Reading:                                     Psalm 33

(Verses 1-5)

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;     

it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the LORD with the harp;     

make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Sing to him a new song;     

play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;     

he is faithful in all he does.

The LORD loves righteousness and justice;     

the earth is full of his unfailing love. (NIV)

Reflection

It’s a good thing to wake up with a song of praise to the LORD on your lips. How do I know that’s true? I listen to birds. Their joyous songs are new every morning. If they have cause to sing praise to the LORD, surely I do as well.

Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29:31).

If a sparrow has good grounds for praising the LORD each and every day, surely we have more. His constant care sustains us. If the Father keeps count of my hair, He must be concerned about even the tiny details of my life. His loving mercy is new every morning; therefore, it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

We are instructed to Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Forgive me, LORD. I’m an instrumental disaster. Playing skillfully is nigh unto impossible. But with my voice I will praise you. I can’t compete with robins and cardinals, but I will sing my praise. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

The steadfast love of the LORD is unchanging. My praise for Him should be just as steadfast—unaffected by my current circumstances. The birds break into song at sunrise even on a rainy morning. My praise for God should be as constant. Paul and Silas sang praises to God after being severely flogged and imprisoned in Philippi. See Acts chapter 16. Their worship was unaffected by their circumstances. They were obedient to the LORD’s command: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Response: Thank you, LORD God, for each day you set before me. Give me a heart of praise for you. You sustain me. Give me a new song to praise you, O LORD. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you love to praise God? Does it lift your spirit when you do?