Psalm 33
1. Psalm 33 deals mainly with two ideas, both showing God as sovereign. The author (David?) speaks of God being ruler of nature and ruler of history.
2. Before talking about the things over which God is ruling, though, the psalmist simply gives an outpouring of praise. A phrase from verse 1 that I need to use in a sermon sometime is, “Praise is becoming to the upright.”
3. Verse 3 speaks of singing a new song to God. I believe what the author has in mind is singing to the Lord for a new reason. Each time something good happens to us, or we experience something new that is good, we should offer God our praise.
4. The rest of verse 3 says, “Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Notice the emphasis given in the verse to worshiping “skillfully.” Even today, even though we do not use instruments of music, we should do our very best when we worship.
5. Verse 5 does NOT say that God is righteous and/or just (although He is). This verse teaches us that God loves those things.
6. Verses 6, 7 and 9 remind us of the power of God. He simply spoke and the universe was created!
7. Verse 8 teaches us to be in reverential awe of God. Personal question: do I “awe” men more than God?
8. Verses 10 and 11 show a sharp contrast between the plans made by man and God’s plans. God can overrule any plan man makes.
9. Verse 12 is often used in sermons about the rising and falling of nations. America needs to read this verse often. When we start worshiping money, Allah or anything else, we are no longer a blessed nation!
10. Verses 13 and 14 need to be taught often. God sees and knows all that goes on in every nation. He knows what I do wherever I may be. Do I live that way?
11. Verse 15 follows up on that idea by reminding me that God not only knows what I do, He understands. This does not mean that he excuses sinful behavior. It is simply teaching that God made me and knows why I make right and wrong decisions.
12. Verse 17 shows where men will often put trust. We trust in our own might. Let us, rather, put our trust in the Almighty.
13. The final verses (18-22) begin with a reminder of God’s watchful, caring nature. The writer then prays to the Lord to continue to be mindful of “us.” I think he is speaking of the nation. May America return to a point where this can also be her prayer.
