Psalm 106:5

Psalm 106:5

Prosperity, joy and praise

Here are three consequences of being remembered and saved by the Lord when He comes to our aid! Firstly, we are able to enjoy “the prosperity of Your chosen ones”. The Psalm writer is, of course, thinking about the prosperity of Israel as a nation. There has never been a time in history when God’s blessing of that nation has not manifested itself in prosperity in their fields, in their businesses and in population growth. In fact, this is what is promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. These blessings could have been Israel’s portion throughout their history if they had only obeyed the Lord their God and kept His commandments. 

Many peoples across the world take great pride in their identity, they love their nation and the traditions, customs and identity that it gives them. Over the centuries, the Jews have been pilloried, persecuted and killed for their identity, their pilgrimage has been one of pain and sorrow and isolation. However, when they are free and able to celebrate, their joy knows no bounds, their songs and their dancing is to be envied, believe me, I’ve witnessed it! This is the joy of the nation, and it seems that the more they suffer, the greater their rejoicing when circumstances change for the better.

Finally, the Psalm expects that national joy will eventually turn into national praise. Once the people have celebrated their salvation and the blessings and the freedom that has been granted to them, they eventually turn their eyes heavenwards and they give praise to the One who planned and executed it all, YAWEH the Most High. 

Let all of this be so for us too. Let us never forget that we are incredibly blessed and favoured by the Lord, we are His treasured possession, we are His holy people, we are His children, we belong to Him and we enjoy His constant care and provision. Let us be proud of this and wear our faith boldly, let it be expressed in joy and thanksgiving, particularly as our fellow men are anxious, frustrated, and fearful of all that is happening in our world. And finally, let us consistently give praise to the One who has blessed us, let our gratitude be returned to Him so that all of His inheritance joins together in songs of praise. Hallelujah! 

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