May 11 - Reading 39: Psalm 113-115

“Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high…”

(Psalm 113:5)

Our Psalms for today and tomorrow are known as “The Hallel.” “Hallel” simply means “praise” and is similar to the English word, hallelujah, meaning “Praise Yahweh.”

In the first 3 Hallel Psalms we will read for today, the recurring theme is praising the name of the Lord. Specifically, we are led in praising Him for who He is, for what He has done, and for what He will do.

First, He is “exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens” (Psalm 113:4). There is no one like our God. Therefore, we are not foolish to worship Him, because He is God Almighty, the creator and ruler of the entire universe!

Secondly, He has done great things in our lives. Psalm 114 talks about bringing His people out of bondage in Egypt. Similarly, each one of us can look to our own lives and praise Him for how He has brought us out of our own bondage to sin and rebellion. Additionally, He gave us a heart that desires to please Him above all else. Indeed, He has done great things!

Thirdly, Psalm 115 talks about what He will do. “You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield” (Psalm 115:11). This describes His rescuing us and defending us — both offense and defense. What more could we ask for?! He is EVERYTHING we need in every circumstance of life.

As we come before Him today, let’s follow the pattern outlined in these Hallel Psalms for praising Him. He is always and forever enthroned on high, so we praise Him for who He is. He has done great things in our lives and the lives of others, so we praise Him for what He has done. He has promised to be our help and our shield, so we can praise Him for what He will do. “It is we who extol the Lord, both now and forever more. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 115:18). It’s all about HIM.