One of the most effective ways that truth about God is taught is through singing. As one writer put it, “Christian hymnody contains some of the most tightly packed, concise doctrinal and devotional thought of the church. Through congregational song God’s people learn their language about God; God’s people learn how to speak with God. Songs of worship shape faith.”

In Psalm 33, the author rouses the people of God: “Sing joyfully to the LORD…Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy” (vv. 1, 3). God is worthy of our best efforts to declare His goodness through musical artistry. This poem does what it commands. It teaches and celebrates several important truths about God.

God’s Word is our standard for justice and truth (v. 4). It is one of God’s most precious gifts. God is also the Creator of the universe. He spoke and the galaxies spun into existence (v. 6). The powerful seas and oceans are under His sovereign rule (v. 7). All the wonders of the universe burst into being at God’s command (v. 9).

God is also sovereign over the nations (v. 10). Often this truth does not look obvious. When we look out at the world and see people and nations who are engaged in evil and destruction, we might wonder if God knows or cares about it. This psalm affirms that He “looks down and sees all mankin. …[He] considers everything they do” (vv. 13, 15). The response of faith is to “wait in hope for the LORD” (v. 20). The God who created the universe can be trusted to care for us and to administer justice, even if we might not see that fully implemented until the return of the Lord Jesus. At that time, all things will be made new (Rev. 21:5). Until then, we will continue to sing in hope.

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