Ok . . . so check out Psalm 33 . . . it is absolutely packed with put-you-on-your-face content. It has got to rank right up there, on a “praise-per-inch” basis, with other great passages which extol the glories of our God. No wonder the Psalmist declares, “Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (33:8b). Stand in awe indeed . . .

His character is glorious . . . “For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice” (33:4-5b). God is holy . . . God is the plumb line, setting the standard for what is good and right and just. No shadow of turning with Him . . .

His power is evident all around us . . . “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth . . . For He spoke and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” (33:5b-6,9). Yes, we live in a fallen world . . . for sure it’s no longer the garden of Eden, but the earth still proclaims the goodness of God. His faithful provision seen as each day breaks. His majesty declared in creation above . . . His creativity seen in the intricate details of this earth below. And, His might evident in the forces of nature.

His sovereignty is without dispute . . . “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations” (33:10-11). Yeah, I know there’s a lot of goofy stuff going on in the world . . . too much suffering . . . too many despots in control . . . too free a reign by Satan and his forces possessing too many men to do things that make absolutely no sense. But . . . I’m reminded that God is control. Sound cliche? Maybe . . . might sound that way, but doesn’t it mean it ain’t so. The nations don’t move an inch beyond what God permits . . . and the plans of His heart go out to all generations . . . in all lands . . . whatever their condition.

His concern and compassion are beyond comprehension . . . He sees not only the nations, but the individual as well . . . “The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works” (33:13-15). He’s not just some “big picture”, deal at the macro level, God. Rather, He leans over heaven’s balcony and peers down upon the earth . . . seeing all inhabitants — yes, ALL . . . He considers all their works — yes, ALL . . . and He fashions their hearts individually — yes, EACH AND EVERYONE. How does He do that with billions of people? I don’t know. But I believe He does it . . . that’s how big my God is. All-knowing? You bet! Cares for everyone . . . that’s what it says . . . I believe it! “Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2Peter 3:9) — yes, ALL . . . salvation for all who would bow the knee to Christ.

His people are favored . . . “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance . . . Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine” (33:12,18-19). Peter tells me that, as believers, we are such “a chosen generation . . . a holy nation” (1Peter 2:9). And those who fear Him, He has taken as His inheritance . . . those who hope in His mercy, are blessed. Oh, what is that? . . . to be the people of God? Amazing!

So what do you do with all this? How do you respond to such an overwhelming panorama of our God? “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful” (33:1). Praise is fitting . . . becoming . . . beautiful . . . from those who have known the favor of God. No holding back, give it all you got, sing at the top of your lungs, worship . . . “Praise the LORD with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy” (33:2-3). Pull out the instruments . . . strike up the band . . . open up the songbook of the redeemed . . . and shout with joy! God’s character is glorious . . . His power is evident . . . His sovereignty without dispute . . . His care and compassion beyond comprehension . . . His people favored. Stand in awe! And then respond . . . offer up thanksgiving . . . lift high His holy name . . . declare His glory . . . sing His praise! Beautiful!