Psalm 150 is the perfect ending not just to Book 5 of the psalter (Psalms 107–150), but the entire book. It speaks of all creation in exuberant praise. And it reminds us of the ultimate purpose of everything God has made, and that purpose is to praise Him.

This praise should extend from God’s people gathered in “the sanctuary”, or wherever we gather together, to all those in the heavenly realms (Psalm 150:1). As we’ve seen across the pages of the book of Psalms, we praise God for what He has done—His “acts of power”—and who He is—His “surpassing greatness” (v. 2).

The rest of Psalm 150 invites an orchestra to join together in God’s praise. Today we could add the trumpet, saxophone, trombone, violins and cellos, organs, electric pianos, and guitars.

As we reflect back on all 150 of the psalms, what abiding lessons can we draw?

First, God has given us songs for all the seasons of life. The Teacher of Ecclesiastes says that there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (3:4). The book of Psalms agrees—and has given us different songs to sing for each of these times. Most churches are full of songs of praise and thanksgiving. But in a broken world, where we suffer so much, we also need songs that express our sorrows and doubts.

Next, the psalms stand at the centre of our Bible as a perpetual reminder of the importance of singing in the Christian gathering. Music and song are wonderful gifts from our loving Father. Christians are a singing people and will always be, on into eternity. We don’t have the music that accompanied the songs of ancient Israel, but we do have the words. These words, as Psalm 150 reminds us, speak of God’s character and works, particularly in creation and salvation.

Paul reminds us that there are two dimensions to our singing, the horizontal and the vertical: we “teach and admonish one another . . . singing to God with gratitude” (Colossians 3:16; emphasis added). Songs that proclaim who God is and what He has done for us both glorify Him and
mature His people.

Third, the book of Psalms reminds us who we are. We are God’s righteous, dependent people. Repeatedly, God’s people are described as poor, fatherless, needy, helpless, and attacked on every side by God’s and our enemies. Yet, in confidence we can turn to Him—our “refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1).

Finally, on our Journey Through Psalms we have continually seen Jesus. Like the entire current of the Old Testament, the psalms point us to Him. It’s not surprising that this was the book, more than any other, that the apostles turned to—to teach themselves and the early church about the person and work of Christ.

So “let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6)!