Give God Thanks, for Great Is The Lord

David, the writer of Psalm 145, referred to “the Lord” nine times. They point to His goodness and Majesty. David’s insight will move each of us to give thanks to God.

All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. Psalm 145:10

David began this Psalm by speaking directly to the Lord. In the first two verses, he exalted God and vowed to praise Him forever and ever.

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Psalm 145:1-2

It seemed like David had two conversations going on in this Psalm. After speaking to the Lord, he then talked about him. Thus, he offered his readers opportunities to give thanks to God.

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Psalm 145:3

David directed his comments back to the Lord in the following few verses. This time, he wanted to ensure that people from all generations would continue praising Him.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:4

He made firm commitments to personally proclaim the splendor of God throughout his kingdom. In turn every person under his rule would also sing with joy of God’s righteousness.

I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. Psalm 145:5-7

How We Should Praise the Lord

Again, he pointed the conversation back to his readers. He offered them another reason why they should give thanks to God. This time, he focused on the compassion of the Lord.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. Psalm 145:8-9

Because of God’s unfailing love, it takes quite a bit to get Him angry. The abundance of His compassion, however, falls on us like drops of rain. Let’s look at what David said next.

In our verse for today, he turned his attention to creation because it, too, will give God thanks. His faithful followers, including you and me, will also praise Him. So, are you praising the Lord?

David didn’t just make a blanket statement to the Lord that we will praise Him. No, he made a specific list of ways his wonderful works and followers would exalt Him.

They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
They will give examples of your power.
Then they will tell about your mighty deeds
And about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations. Psalm 145:11-13

After David’s exaltation of God, he reminded us that the Lord does not renege on His promises. Therefore, we can give thanks to God because He never goes back on His word.

The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. Psalm 145:13

We all Have Hope

David has mentioned the wonders of “the Lord” four times in this Psalm so far. Continuing he spoke to God with an attitude of thanks because the Lord made hope available to everyone.

The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16

How does God provide for those who look to Him in hope? He satisfies the hunger and thirst of every living thing and provides food for those in need.

In the New Testament, Jesus told His disciples that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In the next verse, David, enlightened his readers by telling them that God lifts their heavy loads.

The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. Psalm 145:14

I have often heard people give thanks to God because of the heavy burden He had lifted from them. Maybe you also can share a similar testimony. David continued speaking about “the Lord.”

The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:17-18

Our God is righteous, powerful, and full of glory, yet we can still approach Him. He set us in the center of His creation, grants our desires, and hears our cries for help.

The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked. Psalm 145:20

Did you notice who gets protection? It doesn’t say the ones He loves. Why? Because God loves everyone, even the wicked. He gives us a choice between protection or destruction.

A Reminder to Give Thanks to God

This Psalm reminds us of what the Lord means to all of us. It also reminds us of our need to give thanks to God. The closing verse encourages us to praise Him and bless His name forever.

I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:21

Lord, inspire us with similar excitement David must have had when he wrote this Psalm. Accept us as we lift our voices together in praise and give thanks to God.

Check out these related posts on giving thanks to God.