Sing Praises (Psalm 81)

Are praises just for certain churches or are we all encouraged to sing praises? Do we praise the idols of the world or God? Let’s look at Psalm 81.

For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph. (WEB)

Are tambourines, wind and various stringed instruments appropriate?

Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. Blow the ram’s horn at new moon, and again at full moon to call a festival! For this is required by the decrees of Israel; it is a regulation of the God of Jacob. He made it a law for Israel when he attacked Egypt to set us free. (Ps 81:1-5a NLT)

As Israel was freed from Egyptian slavery, are we freed from slavery to sin?

I heard a language [voice] that I didn’t know. “I removed his shoulder from the burden. His hands were freed from the basket. You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah.” Selah. (Ps 81:5b-7 WEB)

What idols from the world do we still worship, money, things, status, inappropriate television, a political party, our country, our culture, or our theological distinctives?

Listen, my people, I’m warning you! If only you would listen to me, Israel. There must be no foreign god among you. You must not bow down to any strange deity. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up from Egypt’s land. Open your mouth wide—I will fill it up! (Ps 81:8-10 CEB)

Are we just like ancient Israel, unteachable and stubborn? In old age are we still the know-it-alls of our youth, or more humble than ever?

But, my people, Israel, you refused to listen, and you would have nothing to do with me! So I let you be stubborn and keep on following your own advice. (Ps 81:11-12 CEV)

What does God promise to those who would listen to Him and walk in His ways?

Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes. Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever. But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. (Ps 81:13-16 ESV)

Should we get comfortable around the idols of this world, let money, things, or status rule over us? Should we continue watching inappropriate television, trust a political party, worship a flag, prioritize our culture, take pride in our theological distinctives, or should we flee, shun, run from such idols?

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. (1 Cor 10:14 HCSB)

Are praises just for certain churches or are we all encouraged to sing praises? Do we praise the idols of the world or God? You decide!