PSALM 105
O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him,
tell of all his wonderful works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength,
seek his presence continually!
- Ps 105: 1-3: Revised Standard Version (RSV).
It is often said that we can find every human emotion in the Psalms. This is certainly true, and yet at the heart of every psalm is praise. In fact, the Hebrew word for “psalms” is tehillim - from a root meaning “praise” (also found in the word Halleluyah!). Psalm 105 is one of many “songs of praise” in the psalter. The church lectionary we are following in these reflections offers us passages in Psalm 105 three times in the near future, which I see as an invitation to look a bit more deeply at the theological fiber of this praise-song.
In religious language, we associate praise with worship. But in our day-to-day speech, we might praise a teacher for an astute lecture, a lover for beauty and wisdom, a chef for a tasty meal. “Praise” seems to include any positive “feedback,” in response to any goodness. What does it really mean, then, to “Praise the LORD?”
The opening verses, as we read above in the RSV translation, give us some clues. “Praise” does not simply mean an appropriate appreciation. Rather, the psalmist parses “praise” here in very specific terms: to sing, to tell, to glory, and – especially – to seek! This last (seeking) is repeated three times, to show its importance. “Seeking” is the heart of praise.
This seems strange. If we offer praise, are we not already here, having found the object of our worship? And is not the LORD also here, to be worshipped? If so, why would we need to seek further?
“Seeking” is perhaps the greatest paradox of faith. Drawn by our questing nature, we always seek, even when – especially when! - we are told that the answer has already been found. We’re invited to explore this paradox in the coming weeks, with Psalm 105 in our minds and on our lips.
Henry Ralph Carse