The Shortest Psalm

I am enjoying our series this summer as we hear God’s Word proclaimed and as we are reminded that the Psalms were intended for congregational singing. The Psalms communicate much of our relationship with God and the challenges of our everyday lives. We are all familiar with Psalm 119 and that it is the longest Psalm in the Bible; it reminds us of the importance of not straying from the Lord’s commands. One Psalm that is often overlooked is Psalm 117; it happens to be the shortest Psalm in Scripture. Consider its words:
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD  endures forever. Praise the Lord. (NIV)

Even these two short verses are packed with God’s truth. This Psalm answers two important questions in the believer’s life. First, who is to praise the Lord? And the second, why are we to praise the Lord? Verse 1 reminds us that the good news of God’s message is for all people. He desires that all peoples and nations would come to know Him and give Him praise. As John Piper said, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” I am so thankful for the emphasis South Tulsa places on missions. We all have the privilege of sharing the gospel whether around the world or to our neighbors next door. In a very real way, the nations are all around us, even here in Tulsa, and we get to share the good news so others would know the Lord and worship Him.  

Verse 2 tells us why we are to praise the Lord – because of His love and faithfulness. These character traits are not temporary, but endure forever. God is faithful even when we are not. Ultimately, God’s love for us is expressed in Christ, His Son. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.” What an expression of love that God sent His Son so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. If you have not, repent and place your faith in Jesus today. What a reason to, as the end of the Psalm says, “Praise the LORD.” Hallelujah!