Psalms 33:3-5

Katharine Lovvorn  

"Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love." NIV

These words fall near the beginning of one of David's most powerful hymns of praise. There is the thought that originally Psalm 33 began with the final verse of the preceding Psalm: "Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing all who are upright in heart." Whether or not this is the case, it is certainly a beautiful and fitting preamble.

But, we are now concerned with the new songs we will sing, the new beginnings we will make. Our congregation faces a time of uncertainty, a time when we will need to rely constantly on God's faithfulness and mercy. This can be an opportunity for growth if we choose. When we grow, as Christians we will have a new song to sing. When we grow, as Christ's church we will have a new song to sing. We need these new songs. We need our voices to be heard, not only to praise God, but also to be of help and encouragement to each other. Our new beginnings call for growth, for the renewal of our efforts to seek God's will, and for coming together in love.

It is difficult to stop with the suggested verse; the entire Psalm is filled with examples of God's goodness and majesty. I recommend all of it for your encouragement and to help you find a new song.

12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."


18 "The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love."

And, my prayer is verse 22: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, 0 Lord, even as we put our hope in you." AMEN.