Psalm 150

 Psalm 150

There is in this concluding Psalm a curious absence. For 149 Psalms, the heart of worship has been pouring out in every possible emotion and in every possible circumstance. This Psalm is a fitting crescendo to the book, calling for God's people to praise Him everywhere, for His every action, and by every means possible. But there is something missing, and its absence is important and a needed lesson for us. 

Nowhere in the Psalm is there even a vague reference to the first person  as the theme of praise. While not explicitly sinful, most of what we call praise music is an expression of our emotions, opinions, or experiences. We elevate our feelings and our emotional rush to be the center of what we think is worship. Occasionally in a moment of humble bragging, there is a reference to how amazed we are that God loves us. This is not specifically wrong, but the apex of worship is the objective reality of who God is. This Psalm, and every Psalm, ought to elicit a strong reaction in our hearts. But let that happen after we focus on the objective greatness of God.

“Lord God, You are great, and may I always keep you at the center of my worship. AMEN.”