For hundreds of years, the Psalms were the children of Israel’s hymnal.

King David is one of Israel’s most famous lyricists and composers. Bible scholars credit David with nearly half of the 150 Psalms. Whether he wrote Psalm 33 is up for debate.

Over half of the song — the first twelve verses — glorifies God in a multitude of ways. It praises His faithfulness, righteousness, justice, and loving kindness (Psalm 33:4-5). It honors Him as Creator (Psalm 33:6 and Psalm 33:9). It blesses Him as a great Protector (Psalm 33:12).

However, woven throughout the song, and featured prominently in the last half, is praise for God the Spiritual Deliverer.

Today’s verse comes near the end of Psalm 33, right after a warning about trusting in military might.

Though kings and armies and horses might solve some earthly problems, the Psalmist knows God is the only answer to spiritual shortages. Nothing on earth can save souls from death or keep them alive in times of famine — whether that famine is spiritual or physical. Yet every day, God delivers His children from fates worse than death. Every day, we can sing along with the Psalmist an old song that sounds new:

“Our heart rejoices in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name!” (Psalm 33:21)