Praise the Lord!

Read Psalms 145:1–150:6

1. I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.
2. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.
3. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
4. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.
5. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.
6. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.
7. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. . . .
17. The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
18. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
19. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. Psalm 145:1-7, Psalm 145:17-19

What do you think when someone says, “Praise the Lord”? Does it strike you as strange, appropriate, logical, or weird? Does it make you uncomfortable? Or does it make you feel at ease?

David, the author of Psalm 145, didn’t feel shy about expressing his love for God. In 2 Samuel 6:14, he danced for joy before the Lord, and here he says boldly, “Praise the Lord!” As you read, see what you can learn about praise.

Other psalms in this section give advice for people in need (Psalm 146); tell how to please God (Psalm 147); and list many reasons and ways to praise and worship God (Psalm 148-150).

Sometimes life goes on with such an even rhythm that we may wonder why we should praise God. In Psalm 145, David gives us many good reasons: God is great (Psalm 145:3). God does mighty, wonderful deeds (Psalm 145:4-6). God is righteous (Psalm 145:7). God is gracious, compassionate, patient, and loving (Psalm 145:8-9). God rules over an everlasting kingdom (Psalm 145:13). God lifts us up when we are down (Psalm 145:14). God meets all our daily needs (Psalm 145:15-16). God is righteous and loving in all he does (Psalm 145:17). God stays near to those who call on him (Psalm 145:18). God hears our cries and saves us (Psalm 145:19-20).

If you are looking for a reason to praise God, start here. He is ready to listen.