A Reflection of Psalm 145

This magnificent hymn of praise and declaration is one of my favorite psalms of David. Built upon an acrostic, each line begins with subsequent letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The first two lines give an introductory call to worship and the last line brings conclusion by reiterating the call to ceaseless worship. This brief reflection cannot begin to cover all of the content and themes flowing out of this psalm. I will focus upon four overarching attributes of God that prompts all of creation to bless His name forever and ever: His greatness, His benevolence, His faithfulness, and His righteousness.

Before looking at this first attribute, I must speak about where these attributes are reflected and where our praise is focused. In the introduction (vs. 1-2) and in the conclusion (v. 21), David mentioned the “name” of God three times. To me, when I read in Scripture about the name of God, I see a perfect portrayal of who God is. His name represents His character and nature. His name embodies all of who God was, is, and is to come. His name is holy, set apart, and worthy alone of praise. My daily and forever endless response to His name is that of exaltation, praise, declaration, thanksgiving, confession, and blessing. His name stirs ceaseless worship.

His Greatness
In verse three, the first major attribute of God is stated with the proclamation of “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.” God’s greatness is ultimately displayed in His acts, works, and deeds. Each of these is vividly described as mighty, wondrous, and awesome. The might of a raging storm, the wonder of the universe, and the awesomeness of the Grand Canyon falls silent and obscure at the smallest hint of God’s greatness. His greatness is limitless, unsearchable, and unfathomable. I am called to commend, declare, meditate, and speak of His greatness to the next generation. I must confess my lack of pouring forth His fame to the generations under me. He deserves my utmost declaration. May the song of highest praise be continually on my lips for great is the LORD and greatly to be praised.

His Benevolence
God’s benevolence is the second major attribute outlined in this Psalm. Following an interlude from Exodus 34:6 in which God Himself speaks of His character as that of gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, David moves from God’s untouchable greatness to His encompassing goodness. While His acts of greatness lead us to respond in great praise, His acts of goodness lead us to respond in thankful blessing. God’s goodness and mercy are like a canopy that drapes over all that He has made. I am reminded that His goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. May the song of grateful praise be continually on my lips because of His benevolent love.

His Faithfulness
The second part of verse thirteen begins the third significant attribute of God found in this psalm. God is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works. I love the word “all” in this description for it speaks of the breadth of His faithfulness and kindness. The following verses continue in this vain depicting God as the upholder, lifter, sustainer, and satisfier of every living thing. Just as God’s greatness is forever-limitless and His goodness is forever-encompassing, His faithfulness is forever-reaching. May the song of adoring praise be continually on my lips for His faithfulness surrounds on all sides.

His Righteousness
The last major attribute spoken of in this psalm is God’s righteousness. To those who call on the Lord in truth, He draws near to them. To those who fear the Lord, He fulfills their desire. To those who love the Lord, He preserves them. Because He is a righteous God, He blesses the upright and destroys the wicked. Again, His righteousness shines on everyone; none can hide from its light. For those who seek first His kingdom and righteousness, the promise of His presence is sure. For those who serve the world and the flesh, the result of His wrath is sure. His ways are always just leading to overwhelming promise to His children. May the song of reverent praise be continually on my lips for He is righteous in all His ways.

Because God’s greatness, benevolence, faithfulness, and righteousness are endlessly pouring forth from His character, nature, and name into my life, my ceaseless worship will pour forth back to Him this day, forever, and ever.