Psalm 22:3 – “Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel
David’s words in Psalm 22 are full of raw emotion. He begins with the haunting cry, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”—words Jesus himself quoted on the cross. It’s a psalm of pain, isolation, and desperation. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, David declares a truth that anchors him:
“Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3, ESV)
This one sentence reminds us of something powerful: God doesn’t stop being holy or worthy, even when we feel forsaken or forgotten.
1. God Is Holy – No Matter What
“Yet You are holy.”
That small word, “yet,” is doing heavy lifting. David is honest about his pain. He feels abandoned. But he doesn’t let his feelings shape his theology—he lets God’s character shape his perspective.
In times of joy or grief, certainty or confusion, God remains holy. Set apart. Perfect. Good. Trustworthy. He doesn’t waver based on how we feel or what we see around us.
Our emotions may rise and fall, but the holiness of God is our anchor.
2. He Is Enthroned on Praise
The phrase “enthroned on the praises of Israel” is beautiful and mysterious. What does it mean for God to be enthroned on praise?
Picture this: as God’s people gather to worship—whether in song, in prayer, or in lifestyle—it creates a throne for His presence. Praise becomes a place where God rules, where He takes up residence.
It’s not that God needs our praise to exist. But there is something divine that happens when we praise: we welcome His reign into our lives and situations.
When we worship, we’re not just singing songs—we’re creating space for the King to sit and rule. In other words, praise invites His Kingdom to come.
3. Worship Re-centers Us
David was in a storm of emotion. But by affirming God’s holiness and acknowledging His place on the throne of praise, he shifted his focus. Worship has that power.
As a worship leader and believer, I’ve often seen this:
- A tired heart is lifted through singing truth.
- A distracted mind is quieted in His presence.
- A discouraged spirit finds new strength by declaring who God is.
This is why worship is more than a warm-up before the sermon. It’s where heaven meets earth, where God’s people proclaim:
“You are still God. You are still good. You are still holy.”
4. Make Room for His Throne
Whether you’re in your kitchen, your car, or a church sanctuary—your praise builds a throne.
- In the hospital room: build Him a throne.
- In your daily commute: build Him a throne.
- In your sorrow and joy: build Him a throne.
God doesn’t always change our circumstances right away, but He always changes us when we worship. And often, when He is enthroned in praise, His presence brings peace, direction, and healing.
Final Thought
David shows us that we don’t have to pretend everything is okay to worship. In fact, worship is often most powerful when it rises from a broken heart. In Psalm 22, David moves from despair to hope—and the turning point is praise.
Today, no matter where you find yourself, remember this:
He is holy. He is enthroned on your praise. And He is worthy—always.
