Blessed Nation - Psalm 33:12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Psalm 33:12

This Psalm opens with the rejoicing of certain nations. They have come to experience the joy of worship (vs 1-3). They have a good understanding of God’s Word (vs 4-5). They stand in awe of God and His wonderful works (vs 6-10). They know the importance of seeking after godly wisdom (vs 11).

This Psalm closes with the revelations embraced by certain nations. They believed that God sees all that is happening on earth (vs 13-15). They believed that God strengthened those who trusted in Him (vs 16-19). They believed that God saved those who walked in His light (vs 20-22).

In the middle of this Psalm, we have this wonderful verse: vs 12. Notice the evaluation of the

Psalmist: Blessed is the nation. The Hebrew word, blessed, in this verse means happiness. While many look for happiness in worldliness, the Psalmist says it can be found at a much greater level in godliness! When an individual comes to faith in God and begins to grow in faith (vs 13-22), and worships the Lord and desires more of Him, (vs 1-11), that individual will be transformed by the grace of God! A happiness that had never been experienced has now become evident in this believer’s life. A nation whose citizens rejoice in the Lord will be a “blessed” nation.

Notice the exaltation of the Psalmist: ...whose God is the Lord. Faith in “God” brings service to the “Lord”. The nation that truly believes in God will be seen in the passing of its laws and in the desires of its people. Confidence in God brings obedience toward the Lord. Our nation’s motto is, In God We Trust. I could not think of a better motto, and I am grateful it is still on our currency today.

Finally, notice the expectation of the Psalmist: the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. Without the involvement of God, no nation could biblically be called “blessed”. The nation of Israel began with the calling out of Abraham. Through his obedience to God, a nation was born, and through that nation, one night a Savior came into this world to die for our sin.

I believe the greatness of America has been passed from generation to generation because of the calling out of God to sinners to come into His grace. The gospel is still being preached, sinners are still being saved, and God is still blessing our nation!

Psalm 33:12 is a reminder that nations are just people; but when those people know God, they become a blessed nation!