Psalm 33 (Steadfast Love)

“Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD; 
it is fitting for the pure to praise him.” (Ps. 33:1) 

Much can be learned from Psalm 33 regarding both how we are to praise God and why we are to praise him. The psalmist begins with an exhortation to the people to praise the Lord! It wasn’t enough for him to engage in this form of worship himself, but he desired all the godly to join with him in concert. This widespread, unified, lifting up of voices in singing to God is not only warranted by God’s greatness but is fitting for us as creatures created for that purpose. Many benefits are experienced by children of God who don’t merely listen to the voices of others praising the Lord, but who vocalize their own praises through singing to Him. 

In the opening verses, the psalmist uses repetitive language that is filled with a spirit of action. He’s calling for active participation in responding to the faithfulness of God, specifically through singing (with joy) and playing instruments (with skill and melodies). Unlike the duties of the levitical priests that were reserved for certain people, this appeal to sing was for all who belonged to God. 

“For the word of the LORD holds true, 
and we can trust everything he does.” (Ps. 33:4) 

Worship without reason lacks vitality and participation. It creates lifeless rhythms that bring no true joy to the worshiper or to God. It requires added frills to emulate the emotional and spiritual state of hearts that are in true awe of God. The reason why we sing praises is principally important. That’s why the psalmist, beginning in verse 4, devotes the majority of this psalm about praising God through music to the reasons why we ought to do so.

The primary reason behind the psalmist’s appeal to sing is the steadfast love and faithfulness of God, which are apparent through his word and his works. We worship Him as our Creator and our King. Our worship, which is rightfully only Yahweh’s as He is creator of all things, is also demonstratively His as He has shown his steadfast love towards those who fear Him. The Lord deserves our praise as the one true God but He has also earned our praise as a good and faithful King who did not think of His position of God as something to cling to but took on the humble position of a human to die a criminal’s death on a cross so that all who believe in him could have new life in his eternal kingdom. What kind of God would have such a caring eye toward us? Who wouldn’t want to worship a God like this? 

He loves what is just and good. 

His promises cannot be thwarted. 

He watches over and rescues those who fear Him. 

He is our help and shield. 

In Him, we are safe. 

And what joy for those whose hope is in Him alone. This is true for nations, churches, families, and individuals. 

The psalmist was convicted of the almighty power of God, evidenced in the creation of the world and the sovereignty of His kingship. We "believe in God," and therefore we praise him as "the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth." So here, in this Psalm, we are taught to praise him, taught to sing. 

So let us remind ourselves and one another of what is true as is stated in Psalm 33:20-21.

“We put our hope in the LORD. 
He is our help and our shield. 
In him our hearts rejoice, 
for we trust in his holy name.” 

And let us pray the same prayer the psalmist prayed as he ended Psalm 33. 

“Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD. 
for our hope is in you alone.” 

Now, brother or sister, go SING today for joy to the Lord in response to His steadfast love!