Psalm 146-150 is often referred to as the "Hallelujah chorus" that concludes the book of Israel's praises - The Psalms.
Psalm 146 reminds us who to worship, who to trust and who to thank in our lives and journey as followers of God. This can seem like obvious "Sunday School" type information, yet how often do we let the culture, distractions and sin cloud our image of God and our image of self? Maybe the obvious isn't always so obvious after all?
INVITATION: This week you are invited to re-orient to first things. They seem obvious, but we repeatedly make them second in our lives and priorities. C.S. Lewis states: "Put first things first and second things are thrown in. Put second things first and you lose both first and second things.” Have you allowed second things to take priority in your life and schedule and relationship?
MONDAY: Psalm 146:1-2: This is not just a corporate invitation to praise and worship. The "my soul" makes it very personal. We can CHOOSE worship and praise. What would your day or week look like if you began with a hallelujah and with praise and worship directed toward God? Are you worshiping something other than God in this season of life?
TUESDAY: Psalm 146:3-4: These verses help us focus on who to trust. Who are you putting your trust in these days?
WEDNESDAY: Psalm 146:5-9: These verses set forth compelling reasons for trusting God and not humanity. This seems obvious, but it's easy to get sucked into the "sin that so easily entangles us." (Heb. 12:1). In 2 Cor. Scripture talks about Satan masquerading as an "Angel of Light." Is there any area of your life where you may be tricked right now ? That's exactly what the Evil One is trying to do: make us doubt, question and waver. How might you press into trusting God more today?
THURSDAY: Psalm 146:10: This Psalm reminds us who to thank and helps us keep our image of God intact. Have you made the image of God small in your life?
FRIDAY: Romans 7:25: How can you live today - or this week - in a position and posture of praise? How might you incorporate praise into each and every day?