Personal praise to God, from those who belong to Him, who know His mercy. This Psalm introduces the "Hallelujah" Psalms (Ps 146-150).

v1-2: As in Ps 145.1-2, "I will praise...I will sing praise." Here is personal commitment from a heart full of gratitude.

v3-4: Frailty of man; this is different from the encouragement we receive from men, 2 Sam 15.13-37, for we must encourage others, and take encouragement from others, but our trust must be only in God. Human plans come to nothing, but God's plans will never fail.

v5: God is our help and our hope. We are happy because we belong to Him.

v6-9: God's mercy towards His own; total righteousness, and unfailing power, especially power to change people's lives. Such a contrast with sinful, frail man. This is the God in whom we trust.

John Stott; 'this does not mean that he does all things invariably, but rather that this is the kind of God he is.’ (Issues Facing Christians Today)

v10: God is in control. There is an eternal reign, which only God can instigate, for He alone is eternal.