In his sermon on Sunday, Pastor Paul encouraged people to read Psalm 145 every day this week. Psalm 145 is a monumental Psalm. It is like Psalm 1 and 8 and 23 and 103 and 139. It is so special that when someone says the number, we are reminded of how powerful the Psalm is.
Take some time to read the entire Psalm every day this week. Then go back and read the particular verses for the day followed by the devotion.
In doing this, you will most likely have a sense of connection to God and have an experience of joy.
Monday, January 11
Read Psalm 145:1-3
The superscription of Psalm 145 shared the words, “Praise” and “Of David.” This is the only Psalm of the 150 in the Scriptures that has the word Praise in the superscription.
One definition of praise of God is when we praise God for a quality of God.
In the first three verses David wrote that he would extol God, bless God and praise God. The words, “extol” and “bless” are synonyms for the word, “praise.”
Verse three shares some reasons for praise.
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.”
These words are worth memorizing.
Today as you pray praise God for God’s greatness. Say this prayer of praise, “I praise you God for your greatness.”
Say this prayer over and over again. Say it slowly. Most likely as you pray this prayer, your heart will be connected to God.
Tuesday, January 12
Read Psalm 145:4-6
Meditating on God’s work as in verse 5 will connect us to God.
“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” Psalm 145:5
One way to live out this verse is to get out into nature. When we spend time in God’s creation, we have a new appreciation for the world. Even in January when it is cold and snowy we can connect to God outdoors.
One way people connect to God is through prayer walks. Take some time to go on a prayer walk today. As you are taking your walk, spend time talking to God. Be deliberate in your conversation with God. Or be silent and notice the wonderful majesty of creation.
Wednesday, January 13
Read Psalm 145:7-9
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 145:8
Many years before this verse was written by David, Moses wanted to see God. This was difficult as no one had ever seen God and lived.
God relented to the request of Moses and asked Moses to climb to the top of Mount Sinai. God then passed before Moses and proclaimed the following, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6
After God passed before Moses, Moses bowed his head and worshiped God.
Other variations on this verse can be found at Psalm 25:7, Psalm 27:13, Psalm 100:5, Psalm 106:1, Psalm 107:1 and Psalm 118:1.
Write this verse down and carry it with you. This verse will help connect us to the heart of God and will help us experience joy.
Thursday, January 14
Read Psalm 145:10-13a
Four times the word kingdom is used in these verses. Many believe that heaven is God’s kingdom, that when we die and go to heaven, we will experience the fullness of God’s kingdom.
However, God’s kingdom is not something that we have to wait for until our death. David wrote that “God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and that God’s dominion endures throughout all generations.” Psalm 145:13a
Being in God’s kingdom is a realm of joy.
Think about some recent times that you have experienced joy. Perhaps the experience was one of intense happiness. Or perhaps the experience was one of deep connection—either to someone we love or to God. That experience is a reflection of God’s kingdom.
God’s kingdom is something that all of us are called to create on earth. We work for justice and righteousness for all people—that is God’s kingdom. And God’s kingdom is something that can just come to us. God’s kingdom can surprise us in unexpected ways.
Being aware of God’s kingdom is a task of followers of Jesus Christ.
Friday, January 15
Read Psalm 145:13b-20
In his sermons on joy Pastor Paul has shared that people can experience joy through P.O.R. The acronym stands for P-prayer; O—orientation to joy; R—recognize joy.
These verses in Psalm 145 share what happens when a person connects to God.
The people who connect have a sense of God’s justice and kindness. When they call on God, God is near. God hears prayers and saves them. God watches over those who love God.
The following verses express the sentiments in the preceding paragraph.
“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.
God fulfills the desire of all who fear him; [God] also hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love God, but all the wicked God will destroy.” (Psalm 145:17-20)
The result of these verses is connection and ultimately joy.
Saturday, January 16
Read Psalm 145:21
This last verse of Psalm 145 starts out, “My mouth will speak of the praise of the Lord”
How often do you speak out loud of the praise of the Lord. Do you speak of the praise of the Lord once a day, twice a day, five times a day?
Perhaps today you can focus on speaking about your own praise of God. Be intentional about speaking of the qualities of God that you especially appreciate.
Your words of praise will undoubtedly touch another person’s heart. And it will form a perspective of joy on your day.