In this psalm, the author provides reasons for the righteous to rejoice in the Lord. He asks them to sing a new song, which may be a reference to this psalm when it was first sung, or he may mean that it should be new because the worshipper has new reasons to use it. Whatever the meaning of ‘new’, he stresses the importance of praise in the spiritual life of a believer (vv. 1-3).
In verses 4 and 5, he reminds us that everywhere the Lord acts consistently with his revealed character of righteousness. Everywhere, the psalmist looks, he sees ample evidence of how the Lord works, and he invites others to look as well.
The Lord’s power is revealed in the creation of the world and in his ability to maintain it in existence (vv. 6-7). It was easy and straightforward for him to create all things, and it requires no effort for him to keep them there. The obvious response to such power and control is reverence of the Almighty (vv. 8-9).
Moreover the Lord is sovereign over the nations even although they continually resist his will. Indeed, he constantly fulfils his eternal plan, a plan that comes from his love. In that love, he chose his people as his family, the heirs of his ongoing blessings (vv. 10-12).
The psalmist reminds us to consider what the Lord is doing from his throne. He is observing the inhabitants of the world and is aware of them all. He knows them inwardly and outwardly. He is aware of their foolish tendency to trust in human power, in their armies and soldiers (vv. 13-17).
But he is delighted when he looks on his people because they hope in him for preservation, even in dangerous times or when they are in great need. They know that his great power can help them (vv. 18-19).
Therefore, it is appropriate to wait on the powerful God for his help and protection. Such dependence brings great joy and comfort because those who rely on him also know that his power is always consistent with his character. They desire to experience further expressions of this covenant love (vv. 20-22).
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