Friday, January 1, 2010

A Resolution of Praise

I will praise You everyday. (Psalm 145:2 HCSB)
Here is a resolution worthy of a new year, indeed, of a lifetime, even the lifetime of a great king. It is the resolution of David.

I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
(Psalm 145:1-2)
Then he lists the reasons for such a lifetime commitment.
  • The incomparable greatness of God, which surpasses all understanding (v. 3).
  • The magnificent works and mighty saving acts of God, which are to be told from one generation to the next (v. 4).
  • The glorious splendor of His majesty, the weightiness of His beauty. Everything about Him is a source of wonder, to be treasured up and pondered (v. 5).
  • The awesome power of His world-changing, life-changing deeds, displaying such a greatness that is worthy of proclaiming to the whole world (v. 6).
  • The abundant goodness of God deserves to be told again and again. His righteousness and justice inspire shouts of joy and celebration (v. 7).
  • The abundant compassion, grace and faith love and mercy of Yahweh (v. 8).
  • The goodness of God to all, and the tender compassion, like that of a mother, which He has for all creation (v. 9).
  • The glory of His kingdom and power (v. 11). His kingdom is everlasting; His rule and reign encompasses every generation (v. 13).
  • Yahweh sustains the weak and the powerless when the world is too much for them, and raises up those who have been bowed down under its pressures (v. 14).
  • He provides food for all, so that no one need ever go without. All eyes look expectantly to Him (v. 15).
  • His hand is open to satisfy the desire of every living thing (v. 16).
  • Yahweh is just in all His ways and gracious in all His works (v. 17).
  • Yahweh is near to all who call upon Him with an open and honest heart (v. 18).
  • He fulfills the desire of all who live in awe of Him; He hears their cry and rescues them (v. 19).
  • Yahweh preserves all who love Him, and does away with evil and injustice (v. 20).
Having described the attributes and character of Yahweh, God of creation, King of Israel and Lord of All, the psalm writer reiterates his commitment (v. 21):
My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.
Let this be your resolution for this New Year and the rest of your life, to give God praise every day.

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