NearnessNäide

Imagine King David in his later years reflecting on his life. He was a shepherd boy anointed as a child to become the king. He defeated Goliath and, after a period of turmoil with King Saul, he ascended to the throne. His life was flawed, committing adultery and murder in his reign. But David was also described as a man after God’s own heart in Acts 13:22, and experienced great success in his lifetime.

Today’s psalm was written by David and is the last psalm ascribed to him. It would be tempting to attribute the many triumphs of his life to the work of his own hands. Yet, David chose to point to God as the one who truly deserves exaltation.

David begins with heartfelt praise: “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:1, ESV). Then he invites each generation to declare God’s mighty acts and wondrous works.

The psalm reveals God as both immeasurably great—“his greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3, ESV)—and intimately compassionate: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 145:8). God is “righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” (Psalm 145:17), and He draws near “to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

God isn’t just supremely powerful; He’s profoundly good—lifting the fallen, providing for all, and hearing every honest cry. This psalm doesn’t just describe God; it calls us to personally exalt Him. David’s praise becomes a template for our own.

Today, ponder this: How great is our God! Is there an attribute of God that stands out to you in Psalm 145? Praise God for how He demonstrates this in your life, in the life of others, or in the world.