Episode Details

Psalm 149: The Joy That Cannot Sit Still

There is a line tucked into the heart of this psalm that one could easily miss, and it is perhaps the most staggering sentence in all of Scripture's poetry: "The Lord taketh pleasure in his people." Stop and let that land. Not that God tolerates us, nor merely that he permits us, but that he takes pleasure — delight, joy, satisfaction — in us. And what is the fitting response to such a thing? The psalmist knows: a new song, a dance, the timbrel and the harp, and saints singing aloud upon their beds — that is, praise so abundant it spills into the ordinary hours, even the quiet ones. This is not the grim religion of duty. This is the reckless gladness of those who have discovered they are enjoyed by the One whose enjoyment matters most. He will beautify the meek with salvation. What lovelier promise was ever made?

00:00 A New Song Begins
00:14 Rejoice in Your Maker
00:25 Dance and Instrument
00:34 God Delights in His People
00:44 Joyful Upon Their Beds
00:55 Praise and Purpose United