It is written, "Praise the Lord" (Psalm 145:1). This call to worship is directed not just to us, but to all nations. Each Church hears these words at different times and places, yet it is the same Voice of God urging us to offer our praise. When we ask why we should sing praises to the Lord, we are answered: Praise Him, for the psalm is delightful. Is this the entirety of the reward for those who praise? Indeed, the psalm itself embodies the worship of God. It is reiterated: Praise the Lord, for it is good to give Him thanks. Let us remain steadfast in our expressions of praise. Oftentimes, we praise and then grow silent; after singing, we pause. When we become preoccupied with other matters, does our adoration of God wane? Not at all; while our voice may pause, let our lives continuously sing His praises. Thus, the psalm is truly good.
A psalm is, in essence, a melodic composition, particularly one from the psalter, a type of musical instrument akin to a lyre or harp. When one sings psalms, they engage both their voice and physical instruments in their praise. If you choose to sing a psalm, let your voice offer praise to God, complemented by deeds that resonate with your words. Sing joyfully, but do not remain silent in your heart, nor in your actions. Ensure there is no deceit within your heart as you sing to God. When you eat or drink, let your actions also reflect the praise of a psalm. Partake in moderation, aligning with the teaching, "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). If immoderation leads you to overindulgence, know that even if your tongue praises God, your actions may detract from His glory.
After consuming your meal, as you rest, keep your slumber pure and abide by the laws of God; let your marriage bed remain honorable. If you desire children, approach this with respect, remembering, "In thy bed thou shalt honour thy wife" (1 Peter 3:7). You are both members of Christ, created and redeemed by Him; thus, continually glorify God and ensure your praises are never silent. What if dreams visit you? Let not a guilty conscience disturb your peaceful respite; recognize that even your dreams might glorify God.
Let our praise be acceptable to God. How shall this be accomplished? By living a life that brings Him glory. The psalm assures us that such praise is pleasing to Him. "It is not fitting for the mouth of a sinner to praise" (Sirach 15:9). Therefore, if praise is unworthy for a sinner, utterance alone is insufficient; it is the authenticity of the heart and life that resonates with God.
Who is this God, to whom our praise should be acceptable? He delights in us and shows His willingness to engage with us through His loving kindness. The ultimate demonstration of His love is seen in that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). The praise spoken of by the apostle reflects this, pertaining to Christ who came to restore the forsaken Jerusalem, gathering together the scattered people of Israel (Psalm 145:2). The residents of Jerusalem symbolize the eternal heavenly Jerusalem where the angels also dwell. All who reside in this city rejoice in the presence of God. However, because of sin, we wander away, hindered by our mortal state from returning there.
God, mindful of our waywardness, sent His Son, the Redeemer, into our bondage. "Take with you," He said, "a bag, carry the price of the captives into it." He clothed Himself in our frail human form, and through His blood—shed for our redemption—He united the scattered Israel. If He gathered those who had strayed, how then shall we work to bring back those still lost? If those earlier scattered were brought back to be transformed, how can we bring those who wander from the path back to the Builder’s Hand? This is the One we praise, and we are called to laud Him throughout our lives.
How does He gather? What actions does He take? "Who heals the wounded heart" (Psalm 145:3). Observe how the scattered people of Israel are reunited through the healing of broken hearts. The unbroken heart shall not find healing. What constitutes a wounded heart? Let it be made known, brethren, so that healing may occur. It is written in many places that "God’s sacrifice is an indignant spirit, a broken and contrite heart, whom God will not despise." Therefore, God draws near to mend the wounded heart, for the Lord is close to those who are broken-hearted.
Who are those with broken hearts? The humble. And who are the unbroken? The proud. The humble heart finds restoration, while the proud shall be humbled. For the heart must be humbled to receive healing. Brethren, let us not seek to elevate our hearts before they are made right; it is folly to strive for elevation before genuine restoration.
By what means does He bind up bruises? Just as a physician wraps fractures. Sometimes, when limbs are deformed but otherwise healthy, physicians must break them again to straighten them. This procedure brings about new wounds for a proper healing.
What methods does He use to bind? The sacraments we share in this life bring us comfort, along with all the teachings we impart. Everything done within the Church serves as a means of binding our spirit's bruises. Just as a physician will remove the bandage once the fractures heal, so will we one day experience perfect health in the heavenly Jerusalem. Do you think that in that perfect state, we will still require the Scriptures to strengthen our faith or the laying on of hands? These methods are temporary; once we achieve perfect unity, they will be unnecessary. Yet we would not have reached this state without having first been bound.
"He who numbers the stars and calls them all by name" (Psalm 146:4). How remarkable that God counts the stars! Though men have attempted to do so, their success is little concern to us; they would not try if they did not believe they could succeed. Let us not dwell on their achievements; for God, perhaps simply counting stars is trivial. Can it be that He numbers them to ensure He does not forget? The stars symbolize the leaders in the Church who guide us through the dark; as the Apostle notes, "Among whom you shine as luminaries in the world, holding forth the Word of life" (Philippians 2:15). Each star represents those destined to reign with Him, included in the Body of His only-begotten Son. However, those unworthy are not included in this count, even if many possess an illusion of faith among His people. He certainly knows how to discern their worth. The heights of the Gospel are vast; as written, “I proclaimed and said, They are multiplied beyond number.” Yet, even among the people, there exist those who will not attain the heavenly Jerusalem.
Consideration is warranted: Do you radiate in the darkness? Are you swayed by the evils of this world, or have you remained unassailed? Those who withstand will shine like stars, counted by God. Each of them is called by name; this is our true reward. We should aspire for our names to be recognized by God and work to make this a reality, avoiding distractions even from spiritual gifts.
When the disciples returned from their mission, rejoicing that “the demons are subject to us in Your Name” (Luke 10:17), He reminded them that their joy should be in the fact that “your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
"Great is our Lord" (Psalm 146:5). The psalmist is filled with joy, pouring forth marvelous expressions, yet he recognizes the limits of human language. What does it mean that His understanding is infinite? Whatever is beyond human comprehension is contained within God's grasp. He remains unfathomable; the infinite nature of His understanding surpasses all measures.
God, who created all things, organizes them "in measure, number, and weight" (Wisdom 11:20). So what remains for us except to trust the divine wisdom that arranges all matters? Let not our voices attempt to articulate the incomprehensible as if we could fully grasp it; instead, we ought to seek participation in divine matters, striving to be communicants of His nature.
What shall we partake in? No segmentation exists within God; the mystery of how multiple individuals can partake of one divine essence remains unfathomable. Do not seek to articulate that which cannot be adequately expressed, but rather seek reconciliation with the Savior, mend your heart, and He shall guide and restore you, ensuring wholeness. It is important to confess our weaknesses to Him to pursue the divine nature.
"The Lord speaks gently" (Psalm 145:6). In essence, recognize your limitations, acknowledge that comprehension may elude you. Hold the Scriptures in reverence, even when their meaning seems unclear. Do not hastily deem them contradictory; rather, perceive that obscurities exist not for denial but to engage your pursuit of understanding. When ambiguity arises, it serves a divine purpose—knocking our hearts to prompt their opening.
Therefore, do not resent the lack of clarity; approach with humility. Let not your impatience cause you to demand alterations to the Scriptures. They are formed in a manner beneficial for our understanding. Just as a patient must trust their physician’s wisdom regarding treatment, so should we trust God's timing in imparting understanding.
God draws near to the meek and humbles the prideful. By "sinners," we refer to those who are fierce and stubbornly earthly in their understanding.
Begin your confession before the Lord (Psalm 145:7). If you seek genuine comprehension of truth, start here: with your confession. Acknowledge your faults and then offer praise to God. Following this confession, let your good deeds flow forth; sing to our God on the harp. The harp signifies that our worship comprises not just words but also our actions.
"Who fills the sky with clouds and prepares rain for the earth" (Psalm 146:8). Presently, you may feel troubled by your inability to perceive the heavens. However, when the rain comes, you will gather its fruits and witness a clear sky. Perhaps this obscurity serves a divine purpose, for without it, we might never experience the joy that flows from our understanding. The metaphors employed in Scripture, like clouds, are essential for our enlightenment.
God orchestrates these hidden meanings so that through interpretation, they may penetrate our hearts with spiritual joy. "He causes grass to grow on the mountains and herbs for human sustenance." This signifies the richness of spiritual nourishment.
What does this service look like? Paul states, "And we, for Jesus Christ's sake, are your servants" (2 Corinthians 4:5). In this service, as Paul noted, he did not seek a reward for his labors; rather, he chose to rely on God even when he could have laid claim to the fruits of his work.
Let none elevate themselves above their brethren; true greatness arises from humility. "Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). Paul himself lived modestly and eschewed transient gains, yet God continues to provide substance.
As the Lord has commanded, "Give to everyone who asks of you" (Luke 6:30), let us fulfill this task with generosity. Seek those deserving of your compassion, and do not neglect your friends in need; ensure you provide adequately. To do so, designate a portion of your resources for this purpose, adhering to your family’s needs as an obligation towards God’s treasury.
If Christ lacked material wealth and possessed no earthly treasury, set aside from what you receive—a portion of your resources, perhaps a tenth, as the Pharisees did—"I fast twice a week and tithe of all that I gain" (Luke 18:12). Yet, the Lord admonishes, "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20).
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