An exposition of Psalm 145:1-21, this message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 24, 2013.
Intro:
Thursday is Thanksgiving. A day of feasting and celebration. A time for giving thanks. A day of remembrance. As you look back this next week what is it you will be grateful for? When you consider God’s grace extended to you and your family what will cause your heart to sing? Biblically we are commanded to give thanks for all things and in all things. We are to rejoice and give thanks for both the good and the bad. For victories and defeats. For things both great and small. There is no doubt we, as the people of God, are called to develop and attitude of gratitude. We are to live as a grateful people. Understanding we are what we are and have what we have by the grace of God. We are a dependent people. We are not “self-made,” we have not achieved anything by our own wisdom, determination or skill. We are recipients of God’s gracious, providential care. So I want to suggest that we approach Thanksgiving not just with a grateful heart but with a heart filled with praise. To help us I want to consider, briefly, the 145th Psalm.
Text: Psalm 145:1-21
This Psalm serves to remind us that:
Thesis: A truly grateful heart sings the praise of God’s person and character.
This is the final psalm of David in the Psalter.
It is an acrostic – using succeeding letters of the Hebrew alphabet giving praise to God.
How fitting that David’s final word – is a word of praise.
And I want you to notice what David is praising because it provides insight into why we are so grateful.
There is an opening statement in the first 2 verses and a summary in verse 21. In between we find 4 stanzas celebrating the greatness of God’s character.
Notice the opening statement in 145:1-2.
David begins by acknowledging Jehovah as his king.
The word “extol” means to exalt, to lift up.
“Bless” = to praise or salute
Both verbs are in an intensive mood – this is an intentional, deliberate act and it is on going. This is not a one time thing but rather a determined commitment which does not end.
Note verse 2.
Taken together David says:
I will praise you.
I will praise you every day. Not just on the prescribed day.
I will praise you forever and ever. Not just until my life ends – but beyond the grave.
This is the response of a grateful heart.
Keep in mind this is the response of a king.
There is in his voice a sense of indebtedness.
This is “owed” to God from David’s perspective.
What do we praise God for? David praises him for His greatness, His grace, His faithfulness and His righteousness.
- Praise God for His greatness. (145:3-7)
- Praise God for His grace. (145:8-13)
- Praise God for His faithfulness. (145:13b-16)
- Praise God for His righteousness. (145:17-20)