Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

Psalm 145 (NRSV)

Praise. Of David.

I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you,
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall laud your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
and I will declare your greatness.
They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness,
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
and tell of your power,
to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words,
and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is just in all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
he also hears their cry, and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

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Reflect

I live in a city that is home to a university that historically has been a college football powerhouse. This football team has a lot of devoted fans, win or lose. I know many parents who are devoted to their children, no matter what they do or do not do. I know many church members who are devoted to their congregation; it matters not who the leadership is. Generally, devotion is a good and noble thing. King David was devoted to praising God regardless of the circumstances.

In Psalm 145, David reminds us that our praise of God can most certainly be spontaneous, but if it is going to be a consistent part of our lives, praise of God must also be intentional. If we only praise God when life’s circumstances are in our favor, we will never be able to trust God in our difficulties. This is because our praise of God puts the whole of our lives—the good, the bad, and the indifferent—in proper perspective. If we were more intent on lifting God up, on praising our Lord, we would find our spirits lifted as well. A proper perspective and a lifted spirit are just two of the great blessings that come into our lives when we intentionally praise God. Praise of God refreshes our spirits, so make time to praise God today.

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Pray

Gracious God, we praise You for Your greatness and Your goodness; we praise You for Your faithfulness in the past, and we trust You to remain faithful in the future. Amen.

Go with God!