The Book of Psalms is known as a worshipful and uplifting collection of songs. There are some favorites, like Psalm 23.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need (v.s 1 NLT).
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me (v. 4).

Or Psalm 136.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His faithful love endures forever (v. 1).

Or Psalm 150.

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! (vv. 1-2).

It’s true that the Psalms are beautiful and poetic. Some are also raw, gloomy, and desperate. King David and other authors did not hide their emotions; they approached God honestly. All of it is worship. Sometimes we mistakenly think we need to come to God with a happy face and heart. Come to Jesus as you are.

I was recently deeply moved by Psalm 89. I encourage you to read it. Little is known about the author. His name was Ethan the Ezrahite. He was a young man at King David’s court, well known for his wisdom.

The first 37 verses praise the Lord’s unconditional love and honor Him for His creation. King David is lifted up as one whose dynasty will last forever, but it depends on his descendants’ obedience.

Suddenly, verses 48 through 51 take a sharp turn. David faces rejection and defeat by his enemies. His former glory has faded, and God’s anger burns against him like fire. David is insulted and disgraced. What just happened?

And then, the last verse comes out of nowhere.

Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen! (v. 52)

The ending of the psalm holds significance.

There is strength in expressing gratitude. I don’t mean pretending everything is okay when it’s not. Honesty is the best policy, and God knows anyway.

Instead, no matter what is happening in your life, you can praise the Lord amidst it all. Don’t focus on the problem. Yes, it’s there. Focus on the solution, which is always Jesus!

The other day, I was dealing with a bad attitude. I was tired and not feeling well (not a good excuse). I complained, “Lord, I don’t want to take my medicine!” Can you hear the whiny tone of voice?

The Lord gently replied, “Why not praise me that you have medicine that helps?”

I responded, “But I don’t want to have to take it.”

The Lord patiently coached, “Why not praise me that you are alive today to take the medicine?”

His words pierced my heart. I praised Jesus from the depths of my soul for the life He had given me, and for His never-ending love.

No matter what happens in your life, praise the Lord through it all. At the very least, end your day by praising the Lord.

I believe I understand why Ethan the Ezrahite concluded the psalm with praise. In his wisdom, he recognized that praise and worship are the best responses. No matter what you’re going through right now, praise the Lord in the middle of it all.

Always praise the Lord. As a follower of Jesus, you’ll be doing that forever.

Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen!