Psalm 146:5 "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God"
A few days ago, we saw the case of being happy and now we see more reasons for
the child of God to be happy. We can be happy that we have the "God of
Jacob for our help." We can be happy that our "hope is in the
LORD our God." There are times when we see the man called Jacob and
other times his name is listed as Israel. If you remember, God changed his name
from Jacob to Israel when they wrestled together all through the night. The
name, Israel, means being a prince, or having power, with God. His name, Jacob,
was when he was a deceiver. God made a change in him. Today, we see him
being listed as Jacob; yet, there is hope of joy and happiness in God.
It seems to me the name Jacob is used when there is a great need to be met and
the realization that our only hope is to be found in the Lord. The Psalmist
speaks of the reasons for happiness in the verses that follow. Verse 6
speaks of the times when we feel powerless, our hope is in the One Who created
heaven, the earth and all that is in it. Verse 7 speaks of the hope that is to
be found in God Who executes vengeance upon those who seek to oppress . He gives
food to the hungry. He loosens the physical, emotional, and spiritual chains
that seek to imprison us in their habits. Verse 8 gives hope of enlightenment
in our lives. He picks us up when we are under any weight of life that comes
upon us. He loves us. The list goes on and on concerning the grace and
mercy of our God. We can be happy in Him because (verse 10) God reigns
and rules. He has absolute dominion and power over all the universe. His power
never diminishes.
Have you ever experienced a time, or many times, when you know without a doubt
the God of all glory intervened for you? Can you look back on
your life and know God has had His hand on you for your well-being? Can
you look at your life and know God preserved you for such a time as
this? Then lift up your voice and praise His Holy Name!