"Sing a new song of praise to Him; play skillfully on the strings and sing for joy." (Ps. 33:3) We again see this admonition to sing the new song. It's fresh and has been adapted to the new mercies received, reminding us that His mercies are new every morning and therefore our song should also be new every day. Old things will pass away and the new covenant will be in place. The new song is continuous and new every day. The latter words in this passage are a Hebrew expression indicating full choral effect with instruments. So, the new song should constantly be becoming new in our new walk with the Lord, working out of our redemption in Him.
There are some expressions of importance given around this admonition in this particular Psalm that I want to briefly touch on. The Psalm begins saying, "Let the Godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him." Then we are challenged to give praise on instruments as indicated in verse 2 and 3. In verse 4 we are assured that the word of the Lord holds true and that we can trust in everything He does.
Basically the remainder of the Psalm waxes eloquent in God's unfailing love and goodness, describing all that He has done and is doing in His great Sovereignty. We are reminded that our hope and joy are in Him alone and that God is on His throne watching over all, therefore we can fully trust in His holy name.
I am also struck in this Psalm in how we are reminded that there is joy for the nation whose God is the Lord; that the best-equipped army cannot save nor can the warhorse bring victory; and that the Lord watches over those who fear Him. And the Psalm closes with - our hope is in You alone. How time appropriate are these words? As we worship, may we remember where our true hope is found! mjm
