147:5Sometimes we feel as if we don’t understand ourselves— what we want, how we feel, what's wrong with us, or what we should do adout it. But God’s understanding has no limit, and therefore he understands us fully. if your feel troubled and don’t understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. Take your mind off yourself and focus on God. Seek to become more and more like him. The more you learn about God and his ways, the better you will understand yourself.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 147
Psalm 147
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 996, 997
147Psalm 147
1How delightful and how fitting!
2The LORD is rebuilding Jerusalemand bringing the exiles back to Israel.
3He heals the brokenheartedand bandages their wounds.
4He counts the starsand calls them all by name.
5How great is our LORD! His power is absolute!His understanding is beyond comprehension!
6The LORD supports the humble,but he brings the wicked down into the dust.
7Sing out your thanks to the LORD;sing praises to our God with a harp.
8He covers the heavens with clouds,provides rain for the earth,and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.
9He gives food to the wild animalsand feeds the young ravens when they cry.
10He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horseor in human might.
11No, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him,those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
12Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem!Praise your God, O Zion!
13For he has strengthened the bars of your gatesand blessed your children within your walls.
14He sends peace across your nationand satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat.
15He sends his orders to the world—how swiftly his word flies!
16He sends the snow like white wool;he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
17He hurls the hail like stones.*Who can stand against his freezing cold?
18Then, at his comman4d, it all melts.He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.
19He has revealed his words to Jacob,his decrees and regulations to Israel.
20He has not done this for any other nation;they do not know his regulations.Praise the LORD!Theme: Let all creation praise and worship the LORD.
Author: Anonymous
1 4 8 1 Praise the LORD!Praise the LORD from the heavens!
Textual footnotes
- 147:17 Hebrew like bread crumbs.
Life Application Notes 3 notes
147:10,11We may spend a lot of effort trying to sharpen our skills or become physically fit. There is nothing wrong with doing so, and, in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God. But when we use our gifts with no regard for God, they are indeed worth little. It is our honor and trust that God desires. When he has those, then he will use our gifts and strengths in ways far greater than we can imagine.
147:19,20The nation of Israel (the descendants of Jacob) was special to God because to its people God brought his laws, and through its people he sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Now any individual who follows God is just as special to him. In fact, the Bible says that the real nation of Israel is not a specific people Or geographic place but the community of all who believe in and obey God (see Galatians 3:28, 29).
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Study feature · page 997
PRAISE iN THE BOOK OF PSALMS
Most of the psalms are prayers, and most of the prayers include praise to God. Praise expresses admiration, appreciation, and thanks. Praise in the book of Psalms is often directed to God, and just as often the praise is shared with others. Considering all that God has done and does for us, what could be more natural than outbursts of heartfelt praise? As you read Psalms, note the praise given to God, not only for what he does—his creation, his blessings, his forgiveness—but also for who he is—loving, just, faithful, forgiving, patient. Note also those times when the praise of God is shared with others and they, too, are encouraged to praise him. In what ways have you recently praised God or told others all that he has done for you? Selected psalms that emphasize this theme are 8; 19; 30; 65; 84; 96; 100; 136; 145; 150.