In last week’s lesson, we examined David’s personal commitment to praise in Psalm 145. He made a firm decision to exalt God every day, forever, because God’s greatness cannot be measured. Today, let’s explore the reasons behind David’s commitment to praise. Who is this God we’re called to praise?
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. All Your works praise You, Lord; Your faithful people extol You.
Psalm 145:8-10 (NIV)
Gracious and Compassionate
David doesn’t rush past this description. The Lord freely gives grace and compassion. He is slow to anger and patient with us, even when we test His patience. He is rich in love, or, as some translations put it, filled with unfailing love. This love does not run dry when we disappoint Him. It is a love with a source so deep that it never runs out.
Good to Everyone
God’s compassion isn’t selective. It extends to all He has made — every person, every creature, and all creation. That goodness draws a response. All His works praise Him. His faithful people extol Him. As we deepen our understanding of who God is and draw closer to Him, our praise for Him will flow freely from our lips. It’s the natural response to what’s true.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
Psalm 145:17-18 (NIV)
Righteous and Faithful
God’s righteousness is consistent. It touches all His ways — not just the moments we notice, but every decision and every act, all the time. His faithfulness perfectly matches this. He is faithful not only in the easy times but also in the difficult seasons. The Lord always walks beside us. He will never leave or forsake His children (Deut. 31:6).
The Lord is Near
Then comes the promise many of us need most: He is near. Not distant, not too busy, not waiting for us to clean ourselves up first. The Lord is near to all who call on Him — especially those who call on Him in truth. It’s not about performance but about calling on Him with honest and humble hearts. The Lord is near, and He wants us to call on Him.
In closing, David offers his heartfelt response to the Lord in verse 21.
My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:21 (NIV)
Head to Heart
Read these verses again and notice who God has revealed Himself to be. Reflect on how you have experienced these attributes of God in your life.
Lord, You are …
- Merciful
- Compassionate — on all His creation
- Slow to get angry
- Filled with unfailing love
- Good to everyone
- One who keeps His promises
- Gracious
- Righteous
- Filled with kindness
- Close to all who call on Him
- One who grants the desires of those who fear Him
- A protector of those who love Him
Read the list once more, slowly. Are there two or three of these qualities you need to embrace today? He wants you to draw near to Him and know Him better. The Lord desires to walk with you, extending His grace, compassion, and unfailing love.
Lord, You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. You are good to all, and Your works praise You. You are near to everyone who calls on You in truth. I believe this promise includes me right now. Thank You for Your gift of love that never runs dry. I praise You! Amen.