FITTING-Psalm 33

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” “Sing to him a new song” (Ps 33:1, 3a).

You are blessed [happy] when you trust God. Psalm 33 is a song of praise about the blessing that comes from trusting God. The central word, literally, is the word “blessed” or “happy” (Ps 33:12). In Hebrew there are exactly 80 words before and after it. As is so common in Hebrew poetry this central word or phrase sums up the psalm. We can only be blessed or find happiness when we place our hope in God (Ps 33:20-22).

1. Sing (Ps 33:1-3). It is fitting to praise God .
2. Truth (Ps 33:4-5). God‘s Word declares that God is faithful, righteous and just.
3. Creation (Ps 33:6-9) by God’s word and spirit (Ps 33:6, 9).
4. Sovereignty (Ps 33:10-12). God‘s plans and purposes will prevail, not man’s.
5. Omnisience (Ps 33:13-19). God‘s eyes sees and knows everyone.
6. Wait (Ps 33:20-23). Put your hope in God (Ps 33:22).

Questions:

1. Do you sing joyfully and praise God (Ps 33:1; 95:1 Eph 5:18-20)? Who are those who do so (Ps 33:1)? How (Ps 33:2; 95:2)? What does it mean to sing to God “a new song” (Ps 33:3; 96:1; Rev 5:9-10)?
2. What do you learn about God’s word (Ps 33:4a)? About God (Ps 33:4-5)? What is righteousness and justice or judgment (Ps 33:5)? Why should you always praise God (Ps 33:4-5; 1 Cor 10:31)? [Dt 32:4; Ps 119:142]
3. What else can you learn about God (Ps 33:6-7, 9; Gen 1:1; Jn 1:1-3)? Why should you always fear God (Ps 33:8; Prov 1:7; 9:10)?
4. Should you make your own plans (Ps 33:10)? Why or why not (Ps 33:11; Prov 19:21; Isa 46:10)?
5. Do you live in a blessed nation (Ps 33:12)? What happens when a nation does not worship God (Zech 14:17-19)?
6. What does God who “looks,” “sees” (Ps 33:13), “watches” (Ps 33:14) and “considers everything” (Ps 33:15) you do teach you? How should this affect your daily life (Ps 15:3; Heb 4:13)?
7. What are things you trust in that cannot save you or anyone else (Ps 33:16-17)? Why are they so tempting even if you know that they are unreliable and cannot deliver?
8. What should you do when you are in a pickle (Ps 33:18-19; 20:7; Isa 31:1; Pr 3:5-6)? How do you “fear” God and “hope in his unfailing love” (Ps 33:18, 20-22; Heb 10:23)? [Ps 34:9-10; Lam 3:22-23; Rom 5:5]

Psalm 33 is a song of praise that calls for worship in the temple. It teaches about God’s sovereignty, goodness, plans, and purpose. The main theme is praising God for His character, creation, and sovereign control over all things. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and loving-kindness, as well as His power displayed in creation and His sovereignty over nations and individuals.

Illustrations and Applications from Psalm 33:

1. God’s word and creation (Ps 33:6-9): Illustration: Just as an architect’s blueprints guide the construction of a building, God’s word brought the universe into existence. Application: We should treat God’s word with reverence and recognize its power in our lives.
2. God’s sovereignty over nations (Ps 33:10-12): Illustration: Like a chess grandmaster who sees many moves ahead, God’s plans prevail over human strategies. Application: We should align our plans with God’s will and trust His guidance in national and personal affairs.
3. God’s watchful care (Ps 33:18-19): Illustration: Picture a loving parent watching over their child in a playground, ready to help if needed. Application: We can find comfort in God’s constant care and protection, especially during difficult times.
4. Waiting on the Lord (Ps 33:20-22): Illustration: Consider a farmer who plants seeds and patiently waits for the harvest, trusting in the natural processes. Application: We should cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing, even when we don’t see immediate results in our lives.