Psalm 117
Introduction
Though Psalm 117 is the shortest Psalm in the Bible, its message is quite clear: All people everywhere must praise the LORD because of His steadfast love and enduring faithfulness.
The act is commanded, and the day is looked forward to when all nations will praise the LORD. No longer will He simply be labeled “the God of Israel” but also “the God of Congo” and “the God of Austria” and “the God of…” all the other people groups who reside on the earth!
117:1 Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples!
The word “extol” is not a common word in our everyday language. It is a word that means “to praise highly!” What the Psalmist then is saying is this: “Praise Him. But don’t just praise Him. Praise Him with everything you’ve got! Praise Him more and higher and far beyond anyone or anything you’ve ever praised before!”
Why? Two reasons: His steadfast love and His enduring faithfulness!
117:2 For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Merriam-Webster defines “steadfast” as “firmly fixed in place; immovable; not subject to change; firm in belief; determination or adherence; loyal.” Other translations of the Bible word it this way: “…His unfailing love” (NLT), “…His loving devotion” (BSB), and “…His merciful kindness” (KJV). Thus, the context makes it clear that His love for us is not the Disney version of love that is based entirely off of emotions, but it is an unwavering resolve! The LORD our God has made the decision to love mankind no matter what. This means that His choice to love you is not based upon who you are, anything you might do, or even how you choose to treat Him; He will love you regardless of your decisions in life and this makes Him worthy of your praise!
After all, it would not take a considerable amount of time or effort to come up with a list of reasons why He should give up and walk away. And yet He stays because He has made the eternal commitment to love you and He is faithful to uphold His word and to keep His covenant forever. It would not take a Bible scholar to contrast this type of love and faithfulness with the twenty-first century spouse who seeks a divorce because “they have fallen out of love” or are no longer interested in maintaining their commitments. And yet the reason the LORD our God is worthy of praise is because His faithfulness endures forever – He will never break His covenant, go back on His word, or forsake His commitments. He loves you and He always will…He guarantees it!
This is why the Psalmist says, “For GREAT is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.”
117:3 Praise the LORD!
Yes, this is what you and I must do! However, it’s more of a “How can we not!?” There is no one like the LORD our God who would stay with us through thick and thin; who truly knows us and fully loves us; who no matter what we do or how we treat Him…He never leaves us or forsakes us, but He stays to love and restore us to Himself.
And to prove His eternal and infinite love, He gave His only Son as a gift to the world in order to save the world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 8:31-39 1 John 4:9). He willingly, purposefully, and graciously laid down His own life on the Cross for the sins of all people in all generations so that everyone who hears and believes that He died and that God raised Him from the dead will be saved (Romans 10:9-13). This is why the Psalmist instructs all people, not just Hebrews, to praise the LORD…because the blessing, calling, and salvation of the LORD our God has always been for all people at all times in all places. His hand of grace and goodness is extended to everyone including you.
Why? Because He has forever chosen to love you and He will forever remain faithful to His commitment to loving you! Therefore, praise the LORD!
About the Author
Cameron Neace is the pastor of Watermark Church. Born & raised in Missouri, he & Caitlin and their two cats, Pierogi & Poptart, have called Union home since 2023. In his free time, Cameron enjoys playing board games, writing, reading, & drinking coffee.
Watermark Church in Union 
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