I was reading Psalm 147 this morning. It is one of the final psalms in the book, and part of a group of five (146-150) that begin and end with the word “Hallelujah!” Hallelujah translated is “Praise the LORD!”

I was especially touched by the first five verses. “How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting! The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!” [Psalm 147:1-5 NLT]

Truly, how good, delightful, and fitting to sing praises to our God! It is so good for our soul to dwell in gratitude and expressions of thanksgiving.

I love the thought expressed in the phrase “bringing the exiles back.”  While the psalmist was thinking about the nation of Israel coming back to Jerusalem from her exile in Babylon, I can’t help but think about all of us – exiled because of rebellion and brought back to God through the sacrifice of His Precious Son.

Perhaps, however, the most delightful promise is found in “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” We have all experienced brokenness. We have all been wounded. But our God promises that in Christ our brokenness is made whole and our wounds are healed.

In case we are wondering if God CAN do all that – we are reminded of His absolute power and greatness. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. And in case we are wondering if God WILL do all that for us – He knows His children and calls each of us by name. Amen!