DAVID’S PSALM OF PRAISE.
Psalm 145:8-9; Psalm 145:14-21.
Psalm 145:8. Proclamation.
“The LORD is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and merciful” (Psalm 145:8). This is similar to the self-revelation of the LORD to Moses (Exodus 34:6). It is an integral part of Israel’s understanding of their God (Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Jonah 4:2). The longsuffering of God is the last thread of hope for a perishing generation (2 Peter 3:9).
Psalm 145:9. Providence.
We encounter a word which is translated “all” or “every” seventeen times throughout this Psalm. There is a sense of inclusiveness here, but also the particularity of “each” (Psalm 145:9). To say that the LORD is good to “all” could be quite general: to say that His tender mercies, or compassion, are over “all” His works, or “all” that He has made, is more specific.
Psalm 145:14. Protection.
The LORD has a particular care towards the weak and vulnerable. He heard the cry of the children of Israel in their captivity, and set His mind to deliver them (Exodus 3:7-8). Thereafter He taught His people to care for strangers, widows and orphans - and the poor (Exodus 22:21-23, 25). This care is continued in the church (Hebrews 13:2; James 1:27; Galatians 2:9-10).
The LORD has a particular care towards those of His own who might otherwise fall (Psalm 73:1-2). He works ‘all’ things together for good (Romans 8:28), for the good of His ‘peculiar’ people (1 Peter 2:9).
Psalm 145:15. Prayer.
Whether they know it or not, all flesh is dependant upon the LORD for their daily provision. Whether they acknowledge it or not, no man can find sufficient sustenance without the LORD. It is better therefore to seek Him first, knowing that He will add to us ‘all these things’ (Matthew 6:33).
Psalm 145:16. Provision.
If God provides for the birds of the air, how much more for you (Matthew 6:25-27). It is good, therefore, to acknowledge God’s hand in all these things, and to gratefully receive His bountiful provision.
Psalm 145:17. Perfection.
Our trust in the LORD is not based in our ability to believe, but in His perfections. He is righteous in all His ways: He is just. He is kind in all He does: He is holy.
Psalm 145:18. Presence.
It is good that we can view the LORD as a God who is not only transcendent, but also immanent. He is present within His Creation. He is “near” to all who call upon Him. We should, therefore, ‘Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near’ (Isaiah 55:6).
The one true God, the God of all integrity (Deuteronomy 32:4; John 14:6; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 19:11) draws “nigh” unto all who call upon Him “in truth” - with a matching integrity of heart.
Psalm 145:19. Petitions.
It is of the LORD’s mercy that He also hears our petitions. This is particularly addressed to “those who fear Him” - those who revere His Name. We may not presumptuously or blasphemously call out His Name at every approach of trouble: but when we nurture a relationship with him, He is there for us, always.
He grants our desires, because our desires are consistent with His. He hears our cry, because we are His people. He ‘saves to the uttermost’ all that come to God via Jesus Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).
Psalm 145:20. Preservation.
The LORD preserves all who love Him. This is the flip side of our own perseverance: ‘he who endures to the end shall be saved’ (Matthew 24:13). Yet we may not presume upon His grace: the God who is slow to anger (Psalm 145:8), is also the God who will punish the unrepentant (2 Peter 2:9).
Psalm 145:21. Praise.
The “each” and “every” of God’s comprehensive care find their final expression as the Psalmist speaks the praise of the LORD, and “all flesh” replies by “blessing” (speaking well of) His holy Name. The groaning Creation (Romans 8:22) at last finds relief in the “forever and ever” - Amen!
