The God We Can Trust
Psalm 146

The God We Can Trust
Psalm 146

Introduction:
People often put their hope in political leaders, powerful institutions, or wealthy influencers. Yet the Bible warns that such hope is always misplaced. Psalm 146 is a psalm of praise that redirects our trust from man to God. It contrasts the weakness of human rulers with the eternal power, justice, and compassion of the Lord. The psalm teaches us where true hope is found and why only God is worthy of complete trust.

Do Not Trust in Princes (Psalm 146:3–4)
The psalmist begins with a warning: “Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.” Human leaders cannot guarantee salvation or deliverance. They are frail, limited, and subject to death. The psalm reminds us that when their breath departs, their plans perish with them. Earthly rulers may promise much, but they cannot overcome the reality of human weakness. History shows us again and again that governments rise and fall. Political power shifts, but none of it offers eternal hope.

The Blessedness of Trusting in God (Psalm 146:5–6)
In contrast, “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” True blessedness, true happiness, comes not from political strength but from divine help. The psalm points to God as Creator—the One who made heaven, earth, the sea, and all that is in them. He is not only powerful but faithful, keeping truth forever. Unlike men, God’s promises do not fail. His word endures. His help is everlasting.

God’s Justice and Compassion (Psalm 146:7–9)
The psalm then describes how God uses His power. He executes justice for the oppressed. He gives food to the hungry. He sets prisoners free. He opens the eyes of the blind. He raises those bowed down. He loves the righteous. He watches over strangers. He relieves the fatherless and the widow. What a picture of God’s compassion! He does what no earthly ruler can ever fully do. He cares for the most vulnerable and delivers His people in ways that surpass all human systems of justice. At the same time, the psalm warns that “the way of the wicked He turns upside down.” God is not indifferent. He upholds the righteous and brings down the wicked.

The Lord Reigns Forever (Psalm 146:10)
The psalm concludes with this triumphant declaration: “The Lord shall reign forever—your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!” Unlike earthly leaders whose power ends at death, God’s reign is eternal. His kingdom has no end. His promises span all generations. That is why our trust must be in Him alone. Nations may crumble. Leaders may fail. But God remains on His throne, ruling in righteousness, compassion, and truth.

Exhaustive Sermon Outline: The God We Can Trust (Psalm 146)

1. Introduction

   • Misplaced trust in politics and human leaders.

   • Psalm 146 contrasts human weakness with divine strength.

2. Do Not Trust in Princes (146:3–4)

   • Princes and rulers cannot save.

   • Human life is fleeting; when they die, their plans die too.

   • Example: history of fallen empires and broken promises.

3. The Blessedness of Trusting in God (146:5–6)

   • “Happy is he whose hope is in the Lord.”

   • God as Creator of heaven, earth, and sea.

   • God keeps His word; He is faithful forever.

4. God’s Justice and Compassion (146:7–9)

   • Executes justice for the oppressed.

   • Provides for the hungry, the blind, the stranger, the fatherless, the widow.

   • God loves the righteous and overthrows the wicked.

   • Contrast with limited justice of human rulers.

5. The Lord Reigns Forever (146:10)

   • Eternal reign of God compared to the short reign of men.

   • God’s kingdom spans all generations.

   • Ends with a call to praise: “Hallelujah!”

6. Conclusion

   • True hope is not found in politics or power but in the Lord.

   • Only God reigns forever, cares perfectly, and saves eternally.

Call to Action:
Where is your trust today? If it rests on political leaders, wealth, or earthly security, it will surely disappoint. Place your trust in the Lord, who reigns forever. Submit to Him through obedience to the gospel. Live each day with confidence that His promises do not fail. If you have wandered, return to Him. If you have not yet entered His kingdom, now is the time to do so.

Key Takeaways:

• Human rulers are limited and temporary (Psalm 146:3–4).

• God’s help brings true happiness (Psalm 146:5–6).

• The Lord executes justice and cares for the vulnerable (Psalm 146:7–9).

• God’s reign is eternal and secure (Psalm 146:10).

• Trust in God alone leads to lasting hope and salvation (Hebrews 13:5–6).

Scripture References:

• Psalm 146 (main text)

• Hebrews 9:27 – death and judgment are appointed to man.

• Psalm 90:12 – numbering our days brings wisdom.

• 2 Corinthians 5:10 – all will stand before Christ’s judgment seat.

• Revelation 14:13 – blessed are those who die in the Lord.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO