[1] Shout praises to the LORD! Our God is kind, and it is right and good to sing praises to him. [2] The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem and brings the people of Israel back home again. [3] He renews our hopes and heals our bodies. [4] He decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name. [5] Our LORD is great and powerful! He understands everything. [6] The LORD helps the poor, but he smears the wicked in the dirt. [7] Celebrate and sing! Play your harps for the LORD our God. [8] He fills the sky with clouds and sends rain to the earth, so that the hills will be green with grass. [9] He provides food for cattle and for the young ravens, when they cry out. [10] The LORD doesn't care about the strength of horses or powerful armies. [11] The LORD is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love. [12] Everyone in Jerusalem, come and praise the LORD your God! [13] He makes your city gates strong and blesses your people by giving them children. [14] God lets you live in peace, and he gives you the very best wheat. [15] As soon as God speaks, the earth obeys. [16] He covers the ground with snow like a blanket of wool, and he scatters frost like ashes on the ground. [17] God sends down hailstones like chips of rocks. Who can stand the cold? [18] At his command the ice melts, the wind blows, and streams begin to flow. [19] God gave his laws and teachings to the descendants of Jacob, the nation of Israel. [20] But he has not given his laws to any other nation. Shout praises to the LORD!
