Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: Psalm 146:5 KJV
Scholars aren’t sure who wrote this praise giving prose about the God of Jacob. Some credit the authorship to David. Others say the prophets Haggai and Zechariah wrote the psalm as inspiration to complete the second temple in Jerusalem. What we do know is thar this is the first of the final five psalms known as psalms of praise. It begins like the others with the words, “praise the Lord.”
Stating, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help,” the psalm reminds the Israelites of their heritage and long-standing relationship with God. Whether written in the time of David or the era of the rebuilding of the temple, the psalm praises the reliability of the Lord and the hope he brings to those who believe in him.
Psalm 146 is an affirmation of the righteousness of God. It is a celebration of the good things God does for his people. In the face of human imperfection and frailty, God is faithful, forgiving, and just. The Lord is trustworthy. He upholds the righteous and assists those in need.
Worthy of Our Praise
As Christians, adopted into the family of God through faith in Christ, we also have the help of the God of Jacob. The Lord forgives the repentant sinner. He renews our strength. Though we fall short of his glory, God’s grace does not disappoint. The Lord is always worthy of our praise.
In a world where even the best people fail to live up to expectations and injustice is all too common, God inspires us to greater acts. The Lord’s righteousness emboldens us to pray and strive to do his will here on earth as it is in heaven.
Prayer: “Father God, you are truly worthy of praise. For my salvation, I praise you. For the comfort of your presence, I seek you. Thank you for the direction and wisdom of your holy word. Guide me to be more like you and less like me. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: From Darkness to Light
