O peoples, all raise your hands and praise God in everything. Let us give grace and glory only to Him, for His wonders are great and His works are evident among us. God has placed His hand upon His people, guiding, sustaining, and defending them with His mighty power. From generation to generation, He has proven Himself faithful, and for this reason our praise should never cease. Let us sing to God forever and ever, acknowledging that He alone is worthy of eternal worship.
Praise is not limited to a specific group, nation, or moment. It is a universal call that extends to all peoples. The invitation to raise our hands and glorify God is a call to surrender, reverence, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty. When we lift our hands, we are confessing that God is above us, greater than us, and worthy of our submission. Praise unites believers across cultures, languages, and generations in a single declaration: God reigns.
Everything that breathes, everything that has been created, and everything that continues to exist on the face of the earth has a purpose rooted in the glory of God. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that creation itself bears witness to its Creator. From the vast oceans to the depths of the seas, from the smallest living creature to the mightiest mountain, all proclaim the greatness of God. Praise is not merely a human response; it is woven into the fabric of creation.
When we say that everything should glorify God, we are acknowledging that praise transcends human language and music. Nature praises God in ways we cannot fully comprehend. The roar of the sea, the sound of thunder, the rhythm of rain, and the stillness of the stars all testify to His power and wisdom. If creation itself responds to God’s authority, how much more should we, who have received His mercy and salvation, lift our voices in praise?
Let us praise God for His powerful deeds toward His people. Throughout history, God has revealed His might through acts of deliverance, judgment, and salvation. Psalm 66 invites us to reflect on these mighty works and to respond with worship. It reminds us that God’s power is not theoretical; it is demonstrated in real events that shaped the destiny of nations and individuals alike.
One of the most significant demonstrations of God’s power mentioned in Psalm 66 is the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. God rescued His people with a strong and outstretched hand, confronting Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his time, and dismantling the might of his armies. This act of deliverance was not only for Israel’s benefit, but also a declaration to the nations that the God of Israel is supreme.
4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
Psalm 66:4-9
These verses present a powerful vision of universal worship. The psalmist declares that all the earth will worship God and sing praises to His Name. This is not merely a suggestion, but a prophetic declaration of God’s ultimate reign. One day, every nation and every people will acknowledge His authority, whether willingly or unwillingly. For believers, this future reality becomes a present motivation to worship Him joyfully.
The call to “come and see the works of God” is an invitation to reflection. God’s works are not hidden; they are displayed throughout history and creation. The psalmist describes God as “terrible” in His deeds, a term that in this context emphasizes awe, reverence, and overwhelming power. God’s actions inspire both fear and worship, reminding humanity that He is not to be taken lightly.
The crossing of the Red Sea stands as one of the greatest testimonies of God’s power. When the people of Israel stood trapped between the sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, their situation seemed hopeless. Yet God intervened in a miraculous way, parting the waters and allowing His people to walk through on dry ground. This was not only a physical rescue, but a spiritual revelation of God’s sovereignty.
The psalmist emphasizes that “there did we rejoice in him.” Joy naturally followed deliverance. Praise erupted from a people who had just witnessed the impossible made possible by God. Their songs were not forced; they were the overflow of gratitude and awe. This teaches us that praise often flows most freely when we remember what God has done for us.
God’s power, however, is not limited to past events. Psalm 66 reminds us that He rules by His power forever. God’s reign did not end at the Red Sea, nor does it fluctuate with time. He continues to watch over the nations, seeing every action, every rebellion, and every act of obedience. Nothing escapes His attention, and nothing operates outside His authority.
The warning to the rebellious not to exalt themselves is a reminder of God’s justice. While God is merciful and patient, He is also righteous. Those who resist His authority and exalt themselves will ultimately face His judgment. For believers, this truth inspires humility and reverence, recognizing that our position before God is entirely dependent on His grace.
The psalmist then calls the people to bless God and to make the voice of His praise heard. Worship is not meant to be silent or hidden. It is meant to be expressed openly and boldly. When we praise God publicly, we testify to His goodness and invite others to recognize His greatness. Praise becomes both an act of devotion and a form of witness.
Verse nine highlights God’s sustaining power: He holds our soul in life and does not allow our feet to slip. This speaks of God’s ongoing care. He is not only a God who delivers in dramatic moments, but a God who preserves daily life. Every breath we take, every step we make, is sustained by His mercy.
As we reflect on these wonders, we too are invited to rejoice in the Lord. Just as Israel rejoiced after crossing the Red Sea, we rejoice when we recognize how God has carried us through our own trials. Though our circumstances may differ, the same God who parted the sea continues to work in the lives of His people today.
God preserves our lives, guards our steps, and leads us forward even when the path is uncertain. Because of this, let us sing to the God of our salvation with gratitude and confidence. Praise is our response to His faithfulness, our acknowledgment of His power, and our declaration of trust in Him.
Let us give Him all our praise—not partially, not occasionally, but wholeheartedly and continually. Let our voices join the chorus of creation that glorifies God. Let our lives reflect the truth we sing. For the Lord is mighty, His mercy endures forever, and His power sustains us. To Him be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forevermore.