Psalms 106:12
Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
Psalms 106:12
After recounting deliverance, the psalmist notes: “Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.” This verse captures a moment of faith and worship that follows God’s acts of salvation. It speaks to the human tendency to respond with belief and praise when divine promises are fulfilled. In the broader Exodus narrative, moments of belief are often short-lived, followed by forgetfulness or rebellion, making this verse a pointed reminder of the fragility and volatility of human faith. The text underscores the proper response to revelation: trust God’s words, then not only confess belief but respond with praise. The psalm invites readers to reflect on cycles of trust vs. forgetfulness within community life and worship.
This verse foregrounds faith and worship as natural responses to God’s faithfulness. Belief in God’s words becomes active praise. It also acknowledges the cognitive side of faith—the mind embracing God’s promises—and the affective expression of praise as a response. Theologically, it ties salvation history to personal faith and communal worship, showing that divine acts are meant to cultivate trust and gratitude. It serves as a corrective against amnesia: the people must remember God’s faithfulness and respond with worship, not apathy. The verse also highlights the importance of memory in faith formation—the saved community who remembers and sings becomes a witness to future generations.
Practically, this verse challenges you to respond to God’s faithfulness with steadfast belief and joyful praise. When you see God keep a promise in your life, pause to recount it aloud, maybe in prayer journals or with trusted friends. Let thanksgiving lead to devotion: sing, speak, or write out a short testimony of what God has done. Do not let blessings become routine or quickly forgotten; create tangible reminders—photos, dates, or gratitude lists—that keep you oriented toward gratitude. In family life or church community, retell God’s deliverances to younger generations so they learn to trust and praise. Belief isn’t passive; it produces praise that shapes the future.
Cross-References: Psalm 105:1-5; Psalm 34:1; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Luke 17:15-19