Dale Ridge church of Christ

As one reads through the Book of Psalms, one will notice a repeated shift from lament to praise or from sorrow to joy.  As a whole, this collection of ancient Israel’s hymnal moves from lament (found mostly at the beginning of the book to praise (which dominates the end of the book).  In other words, the general feel of the book moves from sorrow to joy. 

The movement of the book can be compared to the movement of an orchestral arrangement.   The beginning might be a slow, thoughtful tempo (like andante or allegro), and then, the movement toward the end becomes lively (vivace) with an ultimate climatic ending (presto vivace).  Usually, before this very climatic ending, there is a short lull in tone and feel which produces a very dramatic ending.  This is similar to the way the book of Psalms closes.            

Towards the end (Psalm 139 to 143), there is a final collection of laments.  Then, there is a breaking forth of overwhelming praise, particularly seen in the final five psalms (146-150).  The last psalm has been called the “Great Hallelujah Psalm” and finishes the entire book with a very climatic ending—the call to praise is given twice in each of the six verses of this short psalm (One should note that references to instruments of music in this final Psalm is not justification to use them in worship in the Christian age—Colossians 3:17).

            Psalm 145 (also a Hymn of praise) serves as a “bridge” between the final laments and this outpouring of praise.  Hymns of Praise are in fact an outcome of the lament.  In the lament, the psalmist cries out for help in time of dire need.  Interestingly, most of the laments end in some form of praise.  Hymns of Praise (as is used in the psalms) result when one comes to  understand better the presence and nature of God, even in the darkness and through the valley of the shadow of death.  Psalm 145 says that God is to be praised, because His greatness is unsearchable.  He meets all and more than the lamenting psalmist needs.   Maybe Psalm 145 can help you across the bridge to greater praise of God in your life.  (The following is a lesson outline psalm-145 and a PowerPoint presentation psalm-145).

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Filed under: Devotional, Michael Carter on August 16th, 2008