Psalm 145:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 145:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Verse 2Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever.
Verse 3Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
Verse 4One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
Verse 5On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
Verse 6The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness.
Verse 7They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Verse 8The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Devotion
The Psalmist sings of a God who is not given to knee-jerk reactions. God is merciful, compassionate and slow to anger - all the things we are not.
Imagine driving through a residential area. Suddenly a small child darts out in front of your car. Is your reaction thoughtful or instinctive? That pulse pounding surge of adrenaline is not planned. It’s a reflex, as is human anger. Our humanity holds us captive in all levels of our existence.
Today we praise God not only for what God does, but for who God is: loving, just, faithful, forgiving and patient.