His Word Inspires Worship from the Brokenhearted in Psalm 147

Praise is entirely appropriate. It is good and pleasant to lift songs of praise to God. Our God loves his people and gathers outcasts to himself. He delivers healing to those who are brokenhearted.

“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. …He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 141:1, 3

Let me say it again. If you’re hurting or when you hurt, he heals broken hearts. He is near. Believe it, and embrace his healing as he bandages up your wounds.

Praise is entirely appropriate, even on a journey of loss.

This God of ours determined the number of stars, and yet, he has time for our wounds. He is great in his power; yet, he has immeasurable understanding. This God of ours lifts the humble.

“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!” Psalm 147:7

As recipients of his kindnesses, we lift our voices in song. Melodies flow from our instruments of praise. We are the object of God’s love. The heavens are filled with clouds to bring forth life-giving rain. Food is available even to the beasts of the field.

God does not delight in the strength of horses or limbs of a man. Strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Therefore, he takes pleasure in those who fear his name and those who hope in his steadfast love.

The psalmist lifts his voice to inspire Jerusalem to praise the Lord’s name. He names their benefits. Their gates have been secured. Their children are blessed. Peace surrounds their borders. They have their fill of the finest wheat. Beyond these benefits, his word runs swiftly across the earth at his command.

There is snow like wool and frost like ashes. Crystals of ice are hurled down like crumbs. There is not one who can stand before the Lord’s power. And his good word melts all who would oppose him.

“He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and rules to Israel.” Psalm 147:18-19

It is, indeed, pleasant and fitting to praise God. Our God opens his mouth and heralds his message. The power of his voice makes wind blow and water flow. His word is declared to Jacob. His statutes, commands, instruction, and law are proclaimed to Israel.

“Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly?” Micah 2:7

Yes, his word is for our good. His word is a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105). His word is our life (Deuteronomy 8:3). His word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Indeed, he sends out his word, and it declares all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

“Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things Thou dost impart; and wing my words, that they may reach the hidden depth of many a heart.” J. R. Miller, The Ministry of Comfort

James 1:21 reminds us that the meek receive the word implanted. The rebellious do not receive his word. They are ignorant of his rules. We are a people most blessed for we have his word, and his word is good.

His name is to be praised. It is pleasant and fitting to do so. The brokenhearted have something to sing about for their wounds are healed by his word. Allow the word of God to inspire worship from your broken heart.

“He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 147:20