Friday, July 2, 2021

Psalm 145:11-21, My Response to God (4)

Once again, let us consider how we respond to God.

·       All your works shall praise You, O LORD (v10).  yadach 3034.  The root meaning here is to throw or cast, to laud.  It is the name “Judah.”  The same word is used in Lev. 5:5 of “confessing” sin.  Confession usually has the idea of agreeing with someone or something.  So that might lead us to consider two other important truths found in Psalm 145.  Praise of God is never empty praise, in the sense that we don’t have any reason for the praise.  In other words, we do not just say “Hallelujah.”  There are reasons.  It’s His works, His goodness, and so forth.  Wait, let’s not say “so forth.”  Consider two passages.

·       Psalm 145:8-9:  This passage is based in the well-known “name of God” expressed by God Himself in Ex. 34:6-7.  God told Moses He would proclaim His name as He passed before Moses.  But it took two verses for God to say what had to be said.  Now, in this Psalm, David repeats aspects of that “name.”  All these are reasons why David wrote this hymn of praise.  We bless and praise and extol God because of His perfections/attributes.  As God takes you through the events of life, whether in the valley or on the mountain, in the light or in the darkness, it is critical for us to meditate on the character of God.  That is what David has done here.  All this abundant praise is required because David has seen God’s attributes again and again.  But that is not all, believe it or not.

·       Psalm 145:17-21: This passage reveals the works of God, not just His attributes.  Have you ever taken time, in the midst of a trial or event in your life, to consider how this event reveals God at work?  Briefly, here is what David points out:

o   His ways are righteous.  When in a trial, and some might say God is being unfair, will you praise Him because His ways are right?

o   God is gracious in ALL His works.  Israel frequently complained about God’s works; they did not acknowledge His grace.  What about me?

o   The LORD is near to all who call upon Him in truth.  You may feel God is far away; but as you wait, you can praise Him that He hears our cry.

o   He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him, hearing their cry and saving them.  He promises this.  Can we not praise Him in our sorrows that He is working all things for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28)?

o   The LORD preserves all who love Him.  He promises to keep us.  We are never separated from Him and we should bless Him for that.

There are always abundant reasons to give abundant praise to God.  And note v21: All flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever!  God will be praised.  That is the only way it can be, the only way it should be.  Truly, Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable (v3).

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