Some things are instinctive, innate, patterns of behaviour that are not learned. Sea turtles, newly hatched on a beach, will automatically move toward the ocean. A kangaroo climbs into its mother’s pouch upon being born. Honeybees communicate by dancing in the direction of a food source without formal instruction. Other examples include animal fighting, animal courtship behaviour, internal escape functions, and the building of nests. A baby doesn’t have to be taught to breathe or cry; these things happen instinctively as it emerges from the womb.
Much of the rest of our behaviour has to be learned, however: a child has to learn how to walk and talk, how to feed itself, how to behave in ways that will enable it to fit well into society.
Psalm 89 teaches us to focus our attention on God and teaches us who God is. He is unique among the heavenly beings: ‘more awesome than all who surround Him.’ (Ps 89:6-7) He is mighty, ruling over the surging sea (Ps 89:8-9). His power is manifest over all His enemies (Ps 89:10) and through creation (Ps 89:5). HIs arm is endowed with power and His right hand is exalted. (Ps 89:13) Yet power alone can be terrifying (and both corrupting and corruptible), but God is also faithful (Ps 89:8) and the foundations of His throne (or His rule) are righteousness and justice (Ps 89:14) God always does what is right, and love and faithfulness are intrinsic attributes of His nature. (Ps 89:14)
Because of this, we can sing of God’s great love for ever (Ps 89:1). This is a learned response: ‘blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your promise, Lord.’ (Ps 89:15)
We don’t automatically know what God is like. He reveals Himself to us through His word, through creation, through the many wonders He does, and as we learn of His nature and power, we learn to acclaim Him. We learn, the Message version says, ‘the passwords of praise.’ Praising God is all to do with acknowledging who He is and what He has done. Today, read Psalm 89 and find out more about who God is. It sets your heart singing and gives due focus to the day ahead.