Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 30-33, Psalm 149, Luke 12:38-48, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Psalm 149: There is yet more reason for praise, and fuel for praise in this psalm! Here we are given reason for why to sing to the Lord a “new” song. Part of the indicator of healthy Christian spirituality is the writing of new songs. When God’s people are being blessed by God, their sense of God and his goodness will inevitably overflow into the writing and singing of new songs. This singing a new song is motivated by and fueled by two components in this psalm. First, the singing of new songs generates gladness and joy (149:2-5). “Let Israel rejoice in their maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their king.” There is joy! Indeed, it is exuberant joy—“dancing,” “tambourine,” “harp”! Why? The Lord takes “delight” in his people. We delight in him because he delights in us! What is more, this is an “honor” that is given to God’s people. Therefore, God’s faithful people “sing for joy in their beds.” Before they go to sleep, at night, as they lie down, they sit and sing out how great God is! Put on the praise music, crack open the hymn book, crank up the volume, and sing a new song! It generates gladness and joy because God delights in you! Second, the praise of God with a new song is a spiritual weapon (149:6-9). The praise of God in our mouths is like a “double-edged sword” in our hands. Sharp, deadly, spiritual weapon. It is through praising God that God’s people enact their spiritual victories against the forces of darkness, and it is through the praise of God that God’s people are agents of expanding the spiritual kingdom of God around the world. Praise God! Praise him with a new song! Why? It generates gladness and joy, and it is a spiritual weapon in your hand.]]>