Praise God for His Wondrous Works

See What God Has Done: Globally, Corporately, Personally

Sermon Outline Praise God for His Works:

Among the Nations
Among the People of God
In My Life

Scripture List:

Worship Song List:

How Great Thou Art
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
O All You Peoples, Bless Our God
My God is All I Need
Worthy of Worship

Praise for God’s Works

Psalm 66 calls us to lift our voices in praise to the God whose mighty acts transcend time, people, and place. From splitting seas to refining hearts, God reveals His power among the nations, His people, and in individual lives. This psalm gives language to a full-bodied, whole-hearted worship—a response to a God who rules sovereignly, saves graciously, and sanctifies deeply. Let us praise Him with reverence, joy, and testimony.

The Call to Global Praise

Psalm 66 opens with a command to all the earth to make a joyful noise to God. The scope is global—every nation, tongue, and people are summoned to worship the One true God. Why? Because His works are awe-inspiring and universally evident. Romans 1:20 reminds us that God's invisible attributes—His eternal power and divine nature—are clearly seen in creation.

The historical backdrop of Exodus 15 illustrates this truth. God’s power to save His people from Egypt didn’t stay hidden in the wilderness. It was declared and feared throughout the known world. This isn't a tribal deity with limited reach; this is the Lord of creation whose name is to be exalted in every place.

God’s Glory Among His People

The psalmist turns from the nations to the covenant people of God, reminding Israel to reflect on His past faithfulness. “He keeps our souls in life and does not allow our feet to slip” (Psalm 66:9). He preserved them, tested them, refined them like silver (v. 10), and brought them through fire and water into a place of abundance (v. 12). These are not random hardships—they are purposeful refinements from the hand of a faithful God.

This section of the psalm echoes Isaiah 43:1–4, where God says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” Through Exodus and into the Prophets, the Lord shows His sovereign hand over the affairs of nations and individuals alike. He humbles kings, parts seas, and purifies His people. We recall Rahab’s trembling testimony in Joshua 2:10–11, acknowledging the fame of God’s mighty acts in Jericho. These great moments in redemptive history serve not merely as memorials, but as motivation to join in worship today.

God’s Works Among His People

This refining work is never wasted. God purifies His people—not to destroy, but to sanctify. As Isaiah 1:25 declares, “I will also turn My hand against you, and will smelt away your dross as with lye and will remove all your alloy.” In Psalm 66, the trials are not seen as abandonment, but as the careful, refining hand of a loving Father. Our collective testimony as the Church is not one of ease, but of God’s faithful preservation and providence through every fire, flood, and famine.

God’s Work in My Life

Psalm 66 concludes in a deeply personal tone: “Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will recount what He has done for my soul” (v. 16 LSB). This is no longer national memory or communal worship—this is personal praise. The God who governs the world also hears individual prayers, forgives iniquity, and deals faithfully with the humble heart.
This is not abstract theology; this is living testimony. The psalmist rejoices that God listened to his voice, did not turn away his prayer, nor withhold His lovingkindness (v. 20). Psalm 30:4–5 reminds us, “Sing praise to Yahweh, you His holy ones… Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” God is not only great; He is near.
Let every believer say with boldness: “I will not be silent about what the Lord has done for me.

Key Verses and Commentary

Psalm 66:3 “Say to God, ‘How fearsome are Your works!’” — God's works are not only great; they evoke reverence.
Psalm 66:5–6 — A reference to the Exodus; a call to see God’s power made visible.
Psalm 66:10–12 — God tests and refines His people—discipline is not punishment but preparation.
Psalm 66:16–20 — A personal invitation to hear a testimony of answered prayer and steadfast love.

Key Words

Praise (Heb. tehillah) – Vocal or musical expression of admiration directed toward God.
Wondrous Works (Heb. niphla’ot) – Miraculous or marvelous acts that display divine power.
Refine (Heb. tsaraph) – To purify as with fire; God uses trials to sanctify His people.
Steadfast Love (Heb. chesed) – Covenant faithfulness; loyal love shown by God to His people.

Key People

Moses and Israel (Exodus 15) – Leaders and community delivered from Egypt; their praise song echoes Psalm 66.
The Psalmist (Psalm 66) – Likely a Levitical worship leader (many traditional commentators affirm Davidic authorship of Psalm 66), offering both corporate and personal praise.
Rahab and Jericho (Joshua 2) – An example of God’s works among the nations being known and feared (Joshua 2:10-11).

From Ancient Praise to Present Worship

Psalm 66 bridges time and space. It speaks first to the people of Israel, reminding them of their God who parted seas, refined hearts, and answered cries. But it speaks now to us—the church—as a model of full-orbed worship. God still acts in the world, in the body of believers, and in your life. His wondrous works invite your praise today.

Message to Original Audience

Remember God's mighty deliverance in the Exodus.
Acknowledge God's ongoing work in testing and refining Israel.
Declare His praise among the nations.
Testify of personal experiences of God's faithfulness.
Bring offerings of gratitude and fulfilled vows.

Applications for Believers Today

Praise God publicly: Proclaim His works so the nations may fear Him (Psalm 66:5).
Remember His faithfulness: Rehearse your personal testimony often (Psalm 66:16).
Embrace refining trials: God’s tests produce purity (Psalm 66:10).
Trust His deliverance: Just as He brought Israel through fire and water, He will bring you through (Psalm 66:12).
Sing corporately: Engage heart and voice in worship with the people of God (Psalm 66:4, Hebrews 10:25).
Pray confidently: God hears the righteous who walk in obedience (Psalm 66:18–20).

Lift High the Praise of God

Psalm 66 reminds us that God's works demand a response. His wonders are not abstract—they are visible, powerful, personal. As we recount His mighty deeds, both ancient and recent, we must respond with humble adoration, bold testimony, and joyful song. May our voices rise like Israel’s song on the far shore of the Red Sea: “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2 LSB).

Psalm 66 “Praise God for His Wondrous Works"