Psalm 145
Introduction:
1. This Thursday our nation will give thanks for the bounty we enjoy.
2. Sadly, many will neither know to Whom such thanks ought to be directed, nor will they know the depths of the thanks He deserves.
3. Psalm 145 is a beautiful reminder for us to make giving thanks our ever present practice because His blessings are ever present in our lives.
Discussion:
I. Extol, Bless, and Praise the Lord (145:1-3, 21)
A. David’s exuberance to extol, bless, and praise the Lord is contagious to those who truly know and love God.
B. Extol= “esteem greatly” (cf. 1 Peter 2:9-10)
C. Bless= “to kneel” “adore”
D. Praise= “to boast” (cf. Galatians 6:14)
E. His unsearchable greatness is the motivation.
II. For His Majesty (145:4-7)
A. These truths are passed from generation to generation (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Timothy 2:2).
B. Adjectives to describe God and His actions: “mighty acts,” “glorious splendor,” “majesty,” “wondrous works,” “awesome acts,” “greatness,” “great-goodness,” and “righteousness.”
C. We praise God because He is praiseworthy!
III. For His Compassion (145:8-9)
A. His might enabled His saving works.
B. His compassion motivated Him to do them.
C. Gracious= “one who shows favor which is often unexpected and undeserved” (BDB)
D. Full of compassion= “merciful, pitiful”
E. Mercy= “steadfast love,” “covenant loyalty,” “faithfulness” (cf. Lamentations 3:22)
F. He is good to all (cf. Matthew 5:44-45)
IV. For His Dominion (145:10-13)
A. God’s kingdom, dominion, and power dominate these verses.
B. In vv. 4-7, His people proclaim His majesty; here, they proclaim His kingdom/dominion.
C. David was God’s chosen king over Israel, but David knew God was his King!
V. For His Providence (145:14-20)
A. He supports the weak (vs. 14).
B. He feeds every living thing (vv. 15-17)
C. He answers prayer (vv. 18-19; 1 John 5:14).
D. He preserves those who love Him (vs. 20a).
E. He will ultimately destroy the wicked and deliver His people (vs. 20b; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
F. For this, we seek His kingdom and righteousness foremost (Matthew 6:33).
Conclusion:
1. Thanksgiving is a great annual reminder of an everyday reality.
2. God is good all the time, and we ought to praise Him all the time.
3. May we keep these truths before us and maximize our Thanksgiving.
4. An attitude of gratitude is the greatest safeguard against sin’s allurements, as contentment counteracts the lusts at their foundation (James 1:14-15).
5. This is why godliness with contentment is such great gain (1 Timothy 6:6-10).
Further Food for Thought
1. How have you found thankfulness to benefit your walk of faith?
2. Do you ever find yourself struggling to be thankful enough?
3. What steps may we each take to conquer such hindrances?