A COMPREHENSIVE PSALM OF PRAISE.
Psalm 145:10-18.
We read in the New Testament about the whole Creation groaning (Romans 8:22), eagerly awaiting the revelation of the children of God (Romans 8:19). Not only so, but those who have the first-fruits of the Spirit (i.e. Christians) are also groaning within ourselves as we await the redemption of the body (Romans 8:23). Even the sufferings of the present time become endurable when we consider the glory yet to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
This psalm shows us the other side of that coin. All Creation shall praise the LORD, and all His faithful shall bless Him (Psalm 145:10). This “all” is comprehensive, it is extensive, but it also comes down to the level of the ‘each’ as well as the ‘every’ on the individual level. As David says in Psalm 103:1, ‘Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name!’
As well as praise, there is conversation (Psalm 145:11). The Creation speaks forth God’s glory (Psalm 19:1). It is also the case that those who are His saints, His faithful, do speak to one another (Malachi 3:16; cf. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Sharing our testimony is part and parcel of the Christian life.
This conversation is not only for the mutual encouragement and edification of those within the church (1 Thessalonians 5:11), but also for those who are outside the church. “The sons of men” (Psalm 145:12) is also a comprehensive expression, meaning (as some translations have it) “all people”! Those who study Creation may well conclude that there is, after all, a God (and praise His Name, many have); but those who are exposed to genuine Christian conversation have an even better chance of discovering just Who He is!
There is also a comprehensiveness of God’s kingdom (Psalm 145:13). It is both eternal and extensive (cf. Psalm 72:17). This is the same ‘kingdom of God’, or ‘kingdom of heaven’ about which Jesus speaks; and it belongs to Him, and all who are found in Him (cf. 2 Peter 1:11).
The LORD cares for the weak and vulnerable (Psalm 145:14). 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; Exodus 22:25). This care is continued in the church (Hebrews 13:2; James 1:27; Galatians 2:9-10).
The LORD cares for those of His own who might otherwise fall (cf. 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).
Whether they know it or not, all flesh is dependent upon the LORD for their daily provision (Psalm 145:15). 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).
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 145:16).
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 145:17).
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 (Psalm 145:18). 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.
