“Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

— Psalm 100:3

The Psalms are a medicine chest for the soul. In them we find words for sorrow and joy, for fear and faith, for pleading and praise. Whatever burdens us, God has given us songs to carry us through.

At the heart of the Psalms of praise is this simple, life-shaping truth: The LORD is God, and we are His. Our very existence as God’s people testifies to who He is. Once we were not a people; now, by mercy, we belong to Him (1 Peter 2:10).

We are not our own. We never have been. We are creatures shaped by a sovereign Creator—and sinners redeemed by a gracious Savior. We are twice His: formed by His hands and bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep and now faithfully tends them (John 10:11–15).

This truth leaves no room for pride, only praise. Praise is the natural response to what we treasure most. And there is no one more worthy of praise than our Maker and Redeemer.

Even when life is hard, God remains worthy. When comforts are stripped away, when hearts ache, when tears choke our songs, we still have reason to worship. The Lord’s steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 100:5). He is never less than your Creator and never less than your Savior.

A thankful heart marks the Christian life. Let it mark you today.

Prayer:

Gracious Father, we praise You that You are God and that we belong to You. Thank You for making us, redeeming us, and shepherding us through Christ. When our hearts are full and when they are heavy, teach us to worship You with gratitude and trust. Fix our eyes on Your steadfast love that never fails, and fill us with joyful praise today. Through Jesus, our Good Shepherd, Amen.

• Adapted from Alistair Begg’s devotional in “Truth for Life: 365 Daily Devotionals, Volume One, p. 38.