Variety: Psalm 146v1-10

Praise the Lord.  
Praise the Lord, my soul.  
I will praise the Lord all my life;  
   I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.  
Do not put your trust in princes,  
   in human beings, who cannot save.  
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;  
   on that very day their plans come to nothing.  
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,  
   whose hope is in the Lord their God  
He is the Maker of heaven and earth,  
   the sea, and everything in them –  
   he remains faithful forever.  
He upholds the cause of the oppressed  
   and gives food to the hungry.  
The Lord sets prisoners free,  
    the Lord gives sight to the blind,  
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,  
   the Lord loves the righteous.  
The Lord watches over the foreigner  
   and sustains the fatherless and the widow,  
   but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.  
The Lord reigns forever,  
   your God, O Zion, for all generations.  
Praise the Lord. 

PSALM 146:1–10

God’s wonderful work is broadcast across the land and skies. From the glorious constellations of the universe to the tiny details of the pattern on a starfish, his abundant creation points to his wonderful work.  

In this psalm, we read how God’s concern is both cosmic and personal. His wonderful work doesn’t stop at the point of creation, it continues in the care he shows for all he’s made. It is wonderfully displayed in his concern for his people, in love and affection for those who cannot earn it. What an inspiration to worship!  
 
The writer also reminds his audience not to trust in princes, as they do not have ultimate power – and sometimes have no inclination to save others. We too should not put too much trust in earthly leaders, no matter how powerful or kind they look. Often those in powerful positions overlook people when they cease to be of value to them, whatever that means in the circumstances.  

God’s promise is that he will not discard us, but rather care for us in our weaknesses. He invites us to be people who echo his character and, in the same way, care for people without expectation of return.   
 
    Prayer

Lord, thank you for your amazing creativity. Thank you that you made this beautiful world for us to live in and that you continue to care for it. Please help me to play my part in caring for your creation and your people today. Open my eyes to the opportunities in front of me and give me courage to take them. Amen.