Scripture Text
Psalm 146:5-7
Intro: People do all kinds of strange things trying to find true happiness, but they can't find because they are looking in all the wrong places.
I. True happiness can only be found in the Lord God of Israel. Psalm 146:5 (NKJV) Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, The psalmist, having cautioned us not to trust in princes (because, if we do, we shall be miserably disappointed), here encourages us to put our confidence in God, because, if we do so, we shall be secure and happy. Happy is he that has the God of Jacob for his help, that has an interest in his attributes and promises, those who have their hope in him, and live a life of dependence upon him, who have good thoughts of him, and encourage themselves in him, when all other supports fail. Every believer may look upon him as the God of Jacob or Israel. He is Head of the church, and therefore we may expect relief from him in reference to our distresses because He is our God and Father in particular, and therefore we may depend upon him in all personal wants and straits. We must hope, In the providence of God for all the good things we need, which relate to the life that now is.
II. He is the Maker of the world. Psalm 146:6 (NKJV) Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, As such, He therefore has all power in himself, and He commands the powers of all the creatures which He made and who depend upon Him: He made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and therefore his arm is not shortened, that it cannot save or deliver. We can apply this to Christ, by whom God made the world, and without whom was not any thing made that was made. He holds all the universe in His hands. It is a great support to our faith that the Redeemer of the world is the same that was the Creator of it, and therefore has good-will toward it, a perfect knowledge of its needs, and power to help it. We may trust God's word, for He keeps truth for ever, and therefore no word of his shall fall to the ground; it is true from the beginning, and therefore true to the end. Our Lord Jesus is the Amen, the faithful witness, as well as the beginning, the author and principle, of the creation of God, [Revelation 3:14]. The keeping of God's truth for ever is committed to him, for all the promises are in him yea and amen.
III. Advocate of the helpless. Psalm 146:7 (NKJV) Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. He sees to it that the righteous are vindicated, that their cause eventually triumphs. The waves may seem to be against them but the tide is sure to win.
IV. Provider. He gives food to the hungry, both in a spiritual and physical sense. He brings us into His banqueting house, and what a table He spreads!
V. Emancipator. [Psalm 146:7b] The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.He sets the captives free—from human oppression, from the chains of sin, from the grip of the world, from the bondage of the devil, and from selfish living.
Invitation: To experience the happiness and joy of the Lord, you must know Jesus as your Savior and Lord. If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, right now right where you are, confess your sins to Jesus, ask Him to forgive you and save your soul from Hell. If you mean business, He will give you eternal life.
