God's Wonderful Works

This psalm is a great hymn of praise for God’s wonderful works. It may be paired with Psalm 112, which celebrates those who reflect his character in their lives. Psalm 111 is a Hallel psalm, sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Jesus’ disciples may well have sung it before going out to Gethsemane (Matt. 26:30). It is one of nine psalms in which all the lines start with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This facilitated memorization, but it means there is no logical flow to the thoughts. However, its unifying theme is praise to God for his works of creation, providence and redemption. It is possibly written by a Temple musician, but it is equally relevant for singing by an inner family circle (“in the council,” 1) or by congregational worship for the Temple festival celebrations (“in the assembly,” 1).

God’s work of creation never ceases to astound and delight both the smallest child and the most learned scientist, because of its beauty, variety, immensity, minute detail and intricate composition. The words of verse 2 are engraved over the entrance of the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, UK, which has produced many of the greatest discoveries in physics since 1874. To those with faith, discoveries of science bring greater glory to the Creator. Further cause for praise is God’s gracious and merciful work of provision for those who are in covenant relationship with him and fear him, but his greatest work is that of entering into covenant relationship and redeeming his people, those who fear him.

As we have seen the person and character of Jesus displayed this week, let us thank him with our whole heart for all his wonderful works, the greatest of which is redemption, which he achieved for us on the cross. To him belongs eternal praise.

Write down the most important works of God that you particularly want to thank him for today. Now express those thoughts in a prayer of praise.