PSALM 146
Praise is an evidence of life (vv. 1–2), not just physical life, but the life of God in the heart. In heaven, it is all praise; in hell, there is no praise; here on earth, you must make a choice.
Praise is an encouragement to faith (vv. 3–4). When you have faith in somebody—your doctor, for instance—you praise that person to others. When your faith is low, your praise will gradually subside, but when you major on praise, your faith will grow.
Praise is an encouragement to hope (vv. 5–7). When your hope is in the Lord, you can praise Him no matter what the circumstances may be. Faith is the upward look, and hope is the forward look.
Praise is an encouragement to love (vv. 8–10), your love for God and others, and God’s love for you. When you love someone, you trust that person, and greater trust brings greater love.
Life, faith, hope, and love—all are bound up in the experience of praise.