Psalm 135 — Living to the Glory of God — Reading the Psalms

1 Praise ye the LORD.
Praise ye the name of the LORD;
Praise him, O ye servants of the LORD:
2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD,
In the courts of the house of our God.
3 Praise ye the LORD; for the LORD is good:
Sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself,
And Israel for his peculiar treasure.
5 For I know that the LORD is great,
And that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that hath he done,
In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth;
He maketh lightnings for the rain;
He bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries.
8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt,
Both of man and beast.
9 He sent signs and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt,
Upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
10 Who smote many nations,
And slew mighty kings;
11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
And Og king of Bashan,
And all the kingdoms of Canaan:
12 And gave their land for an heritage,
An heritage unto Israel his people.
13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever;
Thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
14 For the LORD shall judge his people,
And repent himself concerning his servants.
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.
16 They have mouths, but they speak not;
Eyes have they, but they see not;
17 They have ears, but they hear not;
Neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18 They that make them shall be like unto them;
Yea, every one that trusteth in them.
19 O house of Israel, bless ye the LORD:
O house of Aaron, bless ye the LORD:
20 O house of Levi, bless ye the LORD:
Ye that fear the LORD, bless ye the LORD.
21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion,
Who dwelleth at Jerusalem.
Praise ye the LORD.

When we come together in praise of God, we come in a unity of God’s glory. It is both to the glory of God and a reflection of the glory of God. The praise of God is the fruit of his good work. It is not that God planted seeds so that the fruits of praise might make him happy. Rather, the fruit of his work is praise. Praise is appropriate. Praise is right. Praise isn’t merely due to God: praise is the unquestionable return to God.

God’s work, manifest both in the spiritual life within, as well as the physical works without, is faithful and good to all. The bounds and rules which govern his creation provide the space for growth and fruit. The morals and ethics found in his law do the same for our spirit. There are those who choose to break these bounds. Israel at a time was enslaved by such persons; God’s deliverance of Israel was the destruction of Egypt and others. 

One ought to discern the truths about God’s law more than simply hope in getting on his good side. Life on earth isn’t simply about avoiding pain, but seeking spiritual safety and life. We may avoid pains by submitting to dumb and deaf idols. We will find peace by praising the supreme God. When we glorify the one who is good, we will indeed be blessed.