Mankind suffers affliction non-stop. Losing a job. Losing a spouse. Losing a child. Losing sleep. Losing health. Consider the words of Psalm 146 in the light of our afflictions.
We hope in affliction and…
SING PRAISES TO GOD – 146:1-2:
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
The first “praise” is plural; the second is singular, directed at himself.
DO NOT HOPE IN MAN – 146:3-4:
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
Why should we not hope in man?
1. He cannot provide salvation/deliverance.
2. He will die.
3. His body will return to the earth.
4. His own hopes and plans will come to an end!
WE HOPE IN GOD – 146:5-10:
Because…
Verse 5 is the last of the 26 “beatitudes” in the psalms, a word used over 50 times!
#1. He is the God of Jacob – vs 5
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
This brings to mind all that God did through and for Jacob.
#2. He is omnipotent – vs 6a
who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them,
#3. He is faithful – vs 6b
who keeps faith forever;
Such difficulties cialis professional cheap also create sexual dysfunctions like impotence, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low sperm count. Today millions of men throughout the world experience this generic levitra condition. It disallows you to perform sexual activity, thereby causing problem in marital relationship. cialis on line purchase tadalafil overnight shipping They have been fortified with time-tested ayurvedic medicinal herbs having befitting reply to sexual problems.
#4. He is just – vs 7a
who executes justice for the oppressed,
#5. He is kind – vs 7b, c
who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
#6. He is good – vs 8a, b
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
#7. He is loving – vs 8c
the LORD loves the righteous.
#8. He is merciful – vs 9a, b
The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
#9. He is holy – vs 9c
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
#10. He reigns forever – vs 10a
The LORD will reign forever,
#11. He is immutable – vs 10b
your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
CONCLUSION:
We see all of these characteristics fulfilled in Jesus Christ. That is why we hope in Him. Hope in the Lord your God.
–Paul Holland
