As we ponder the redemption Christ has accomplished, we should sing for joy at all times, in all places, proclaiming His mercies to those around us and inviting them to be part of the people of God

If you’re anything like me you likely have a long prayer list filled with petitions for family, friends, neighbors and church members. It is good and right to pray for one another as we walk through life in this broken world. We weep with those who weep as we pray for a broken marriage, a lonely widow, the devastation of a city from a hurricane, or strength during cancer treatments. But one day, in the new Jerusalem, our petitions will give way to only praise. Therefore, our prayer life should be filled with praise now. Psalm 149 gives us words to praise the Lord, teaching us how to practice the very heart of prayer to the Lord, the One who takes pleasure in His people.

Adorned with Salvation

The psalmist calls the covenant community to sing a new song to their Maker, King and Savior:

“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Let the  godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds” (Psalm 149:1-5).

The proper response to the Lord adorning His people with salvation is praise. The exhortations in these verses are beautiful and filled with rich emotion—praise, sing, be glad, rejoice, dance, make melody, exult! When God’s people consider, ponder, and meditate upon His salvation, they are filled with great joy!

Thanks be to Christ who has made it possible for believers to praise the Lord, especially for salvation. It is our privilege to sing a new song to the Lamb who was slain for our salvation, the Lion who reigns over the nations.

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