Introduction
In software engineering, we often learn that understanding the foundation
of a system changes how we work with it. Before writing code, we need to
understand the architecture. Before solving a problem, we need to
understand the purpose behind it.
Psalm 135 invites us to do something similar with our faith. Before we
simply say, “Praise the Lord,” the psalm leads us to understand why
we praise Him.
The word Hallelujah means “Praise the Lord.” It is a call
to lift up the name of God. But true worship does not begin with a command;
it begins with knowing who God is.
When the character of God captures our hearts, praise becomes the natural
response of our lives.
The Lord Is Good and Beautiful
“Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant.”
— Psalm 135:3
Psalm 135 begins by reminding us that God is good. His goodness is not
merely something He does; it is who He is.
Everything good and beautiful in creation points back to the Creator.
The love of a parent, the kindness of a friend, the beauty of nature,
and moments of grace we experience are reflections of the One who is the
source of all goodness.
Like a well-designed system reveals something about the skill and purpose
of its architect, creation reveals something about the heart of God.
The beauty we see around us is a glimpse of His character.
Psalm 34 says:
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge
in him.”
— Psalm 34:8
God's goodness is not a theory. It is something we experience through
relationship with Him.
The psalmist gives the reason for praise:
“For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession.”
— Psalm 135:4
God chose His people not because they were powerful, impressive, or
deserving. He chose them because He loved them.
This same truth appears in Ephesians 1. Through Jesus Christ, God chose
us and adopted us as His children.
Our identity is not built on achievements, status, or human recognition.
It is built on the grace of God.
When we understand this, our response is:
Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
The Lord Is Great and Powerful
“For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.”
— Psalm 135:5
Psalm 135 does not only tell us that God is good. It declares that He is
great.
The psalmist points to creation:
“Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas
and all deeps.”
— Psalm 135:6
The universe is not outside God's control. The storms, the oceans, the
seasons, and the forces of nature are all under His authority.
Science helps us understand how creation works. As engineers, we appreciate
discovering the principles behind complex systems. But Scripture reminds us
that behind every system is the Creator who designed and sustains it.
The laws of nature are not a replacement for God. They reveal His wisdom
and order.
But God's greatest demonstration of power is not only found in creation.
It is found in salvation.
The psalmist remembers how God rescued Israel from Egypt. Pharaoh was
powerful, but God was greater. Nations opposed Him, but God’s purpose
could not be stopped.
The same power is revealed through Jesus Christ.
Through the cross and resurrection, God defeated sin and death and brought
His people into new life.
The cross reveals both:
- The goodness of God: He loved us enough to send His Son.
- The power of God: He raised Christ from the dead.
This is the foundation of our faith.
What Captures Our Hearts?
Psalm 135 also warns us about idols.
The idols of the nations had mouths but could not speak, eyes but could
not see, and ears but could not hear.
Today, we may not worship physical idols, but we can still place our trust
in things that cannot save us.
We can trust in money, success, technology, knowledge, reputation, or our
own ability to control life.
As developers, we spend our days building systems, solving problems, and
creating solutions. These are valuable gifts from God. But even the best
technology cannot answer the deepest questions of the human heart.
The human heart was created to worship. The question is not whether we
will worship something.
The question is:
Who will we trust?
Whatever captures our hearts will eventually receive our praise.
Psalm 135 calls us back to the only One worthy of our trust:
- The Lord who is good.
- The Lord who is beautiful.
- The Lord who is great.
- The Lord who is powerful.
Final Reflection
Every system has a foundation. Every creation points back to a creator.
Every human heart points toward the One who made it.
Psalm 135 reminds us that worship begins when we truly see God.
He chose us in love.
He saved us by His power.
He sustains us by His grace.
Therefore, our lives become a response of worship:
Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Because He is good.
Because He is faithful.
Because He is worthy.
Amen.
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