Sunday, July 31, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Psalm 145

I will extol you, my God and King,
   and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you,
   and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
   his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall laud your works to another
   and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
   and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
   and I will declare your greatness.
They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness,
   and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
   slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
   and his compassion is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
   and all your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
   and tell of your power,
to make known to all people your mighty deeds
   and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
   and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
   and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
   and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
   and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
   satisfying the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is just in all his ways
   and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
   to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
   he also hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
   but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
   and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever. (NRSV)

Reflection
Great is the Lord. I find it difficult to find words more powerful than those four. Great is the Lord. People everywhere see, feel, and depend on those four words every day. Within this psalm, four passages remind me of God’s greatness.

“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” I revel in what God created for all of us. The beautiful blue skies. The green grass. The crystal waters. Close my eyes, take a deep breath and enjoy. Listen to the glorious sounds of nature. Deafen myself in the silence of God’s peace.

“The Lord is good to all.” God does not discriminate. He does not judge. God sees beauty in all living things—even when we can’t.

“The Lord is near for all who call on him.” All you have to do is ask. Pray. Meditate. Reach out for help when you are in need. God will be there for you. Leading you.

“He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them.” Do not fear God. God knows what is best for all of us. He will save us—even in our deepest despair. Just ask; God will hear you. And God will save you. Trust.

Prayer
Lord, let us enjoy your power and beauty every day—and give us the ability to reach out and ask for help when your Spirit and guidance is needed. We will not fear the mysteries in our lives, trusting that you will protect us. Great is the Lord. Amen.

Written by Doug Whitmer, Director of Human Resources and Office Administration

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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