Psalm 146 is a psalm of praise in which the psalmist celebrates God’s character and calls us to trust him. Faith is not a power through which we get what we want from God. Faith, rather, is an act of the will by which we step into the things that God wants for us. Faith therefore is focused on the character and will of God. It is informed by what God has revealed about himself. Notice how the psalmist, in Psalm 146, recounts the things that God does. These things are expressions of God’s character and God’s purpose. To trust in God, as the psalmist encourages us to do, is to step up into God’s purpose in the confidence that he is committed to that purpose. It means trusting that he is always true to his purpose and consistent with his character. It also means trusting that his purpose for you is the best direction for your life. In other words, faith is expressed in you following God rather than expecting him to follow you. So, commit yourself to seeking the things that God has committed himself to. These things are described in verses 7-9: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down…” Trust God for these things and your faith will be firmly grounded.
Pray for God to do the things described in verses 7-9 in specific situations.
Read Psalm 146.
