The hymn or song of praise used in the order
of Matins is the Te Deum which is a Latin phrase meaning literally, “we praise you.”
In our
worship we praise the Lord for all of the blessings He has showered down upon
us. Our circumstances often time can overwhelm us, so we are at least persuaded
to place our confidence in something or someone “other.”
This psalm
contrasts trust in human beings with trust in the LORD.
“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of
man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the
earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146.3–4).
Though the
psalm begins with “Put not your trust in
princes,” it is evident that the focus is not on a supreme human ruler but
on the fact that he is just a mere man (note the parallel to ‘princes’ is ‘a son of man’).
Another
human is not a firm source of confidence since, like all others, he too will
die and his plans not come to fruition.
On the
other hand, the LORD alone is worthy of trust:
He is the
creator of all things (v 6)
He metes
out justice on earth (v 7)
He
supplies food to the poor and hungry (v 7)
When one
who has been wrongly imprisoned is set free, it is the LORD’s doing (v 7).
When a
blind person is made well, it is only a result of the LORD’s will (v 8)
When a
person has been cast down by troubles or oppression, only the LORD can make him
stand erect (v 8)
The LORD
takes the side of the widow and fatherless when they are wronged (v 9)
But he
stands against the wicked person in his attempt to gain unjustly (v 9)
“The LORD reigns forever…to all generations!”
(v 10).
This psalm
is a reminder that only the LORD is a firm source of confidence in life.
The hymn
writer encourages us:
Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;
Earth-born they are and soon
decay.
Vain are their counsels at life's
last portal,
When the dark grave engulfs its
prey.
Since mortals can no help afford,
Place all your trust in Christ,
our Lord.
Allelujah, allelujah![1]
Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace
always proceeds and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain
and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the
Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen[2]
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