Intro: As I sit here quietly, I have many praises to offer up, today. God is good and loving to walk with me through life; I am blessed beyond measure. Granted not everything is easy, but God has been, remains, and will always be with me in Spirit, love, and truth. I can praise him everyday, because the Spirit helps me know God’s merciful heart as he helps me reach up to love the Lord wholeheartedly, as well as helps me to reach out and love others as I love myself. Our God is a beautiful and priceless Treasure and his action toward us flows out of his perfect character.
The Book of Psalms is a book of praises. In our passage today, we praise God, because his nature is essential for us to live a life of meaning and wholeness. We must learn to praise God as individuals and we must also gather to learn how to praise God as a spiritual community. Life can be heavy these days, but we must diligently keep our focus on the all-encompassing goodness of our God who is with us.
If we were never needing mercy, we would not need the God of all mercy. If we never struggled with selfishness, we would not need the unfailing love of God. If we were sure-footed and never failed, we would not need the God who lifts and rescues us. If we could find fulfillment in our worldly endeavors, we would not need the God of truth who satisfies us. There are so many ways and reasons to praise God, but only those who respect (fear) him will actually do so. I need God to extend mercy, compassion, love, goodness, help, spiritual food, refreshment for my soul, kindness, as well as the truth to me rescue me, so living wickedly (with no regard for righteousness) is not an option. Praise the Lord, today!
Psalm 145:8-9, 14-20 NLT
8
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
14
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
15
The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it.
16
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
17
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
18
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth.
19
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
20
The Lord protects all those who love him,
but he destroys the wicked.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this day and your goodness that surrounds all your children. Please keep us looking in your righteous direction and put praise on our lips as we know you are with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.