A Beautiful Life of Praise

Nourishment for the Soul

The Majesty and Goodness of Our King

In the radiant aftermath of Easter, as the echoes of “He is risen indeed!” still fill our hearts, we find ourselves standing on holy ground. It’s fitting, then, on this Saturday after Easter, to turn to Psalm 145 - a glorious hymn of adoration that paints a magnificent portrait of our God. This psalm, attributed to David, isn’t a cry for help, a plea for deliverance, or even a reflection of sorrow. It’s pure praise, a joyful overflow of a heart captivated by the greatness and goodness of the Lord.

David begins with soaring language: “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever” (v. 1). Notice that David claims God personally – “my” God and King - and pledges perpetual worship. Not seasonal gratitude. Not occasional admiration. Forever and ever. If Easter reminds us of anything, it’s that our adoration should be unending. The resurrection has opened for us the gates of an everlasting Kingdom; surely our response must be a life of continual praise.

The Beautiful Portrait of God

Throughout Psalm 145, David masterfully describes the character of God. He is great and greatly to be praised (v. 3). His greatness is unsearchable - beyond human comprehension. Generation after generation is called to declare his mighty acts (v. 4), to meditate on his wondrous works (v. 5), and to proclaim the fame of his abundant goodness (v. 7).

The psalm shines with truth about the Lord’s nature: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (v. 8). How could we not fall to our knees in awe before such a King? Our world is filled with kings and rulers whose power corrupts, whose reigns are short, and whose legacies often crumble into dust. But our God is majestic in holiness, perfect in justice, and overflowing in kindness. This is the One who reigns forever, whose resurrection victory we celebrate not just on Easter Sunday, but every day.

An Everlasting Kingdom

One of the most stunning themes of Psalm 145 is the celebration of God’s everlasting Kingdom. “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations” (v. 13). In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, this eternal reign was declared openly to all creation. Christ is King - over sin, death, and the grave - and his Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).

This world is passing away, but his Kingdom is unshakable. As citizens of this heavenly Kingdom, we’re called not only to await its full arrival but to live in it now - to walk through this world with hearts full of wonder, hands lifted in praise, and lives shaped by the goodness of our King. Richard Baxter once wrote, “Let God have your first awakening thoughts; lift up your heart to him reverently and thankfully.” A life of adoration begins with daily worship, cultivated moment by moment in awe of who God is.

Walking Through the World in Awe

Psalm 145 invites us into a particular posture: living each day in awe of God. “All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!” (v. 10). Notice: it’s not only the angels or the mighty heroes of faith, but all the saints - ordinary believers like you and me - who are called to lives of perpetual thanksgiving and blessing.

This posture transforms how we walk through life. We don’t move through the world as cynical travelers or jaded observers. We walk as worshippers, seeing God’s fingerprints in every sunrise, his provision in every meal, his grace in every relationship, and his mercy in every breath. Our hearts, freshly tuned by the melody of the resurrection, should be filled with constant thanksgiving, reverence, and praise.

The Tender Care of Our King

Psalm 145 isn’t only a psalm of grandeur – it’s also deeply personal. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (v. 18). The King who reigns over an everlasting Kingdom is also near to the brokenhearted. He upholds those who are falling (v. 14). He satisfies the desire of every living thing (v. 16). He hears the cries of his people and saves them (v. 19).

This is the astonishing intimacy of Easter’s aftermath. The One who defeated death is not distant; he’s near. He walks with us as he walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), opening our eyes, warming our hearts, drawing us closer to himself.

Easter’s Endless Song

As the Easter season continues, let’s allow Psalm 145 to shape our hearts. Let it call us to a life of awe, gratitude, and adoration. Let us proclaim with David: “My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever” (v. 21).

We have been redeemed by the King who reigns in beauty, power, and love. Our lives - every day, every moment - are to be testimonies of his greatness and goodness. As G.K. Chesterton once said, “Thanks are the highest form of thought, and gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” May we walk through this world not with grumbling or fear, but with deep wonder, and endless thanks, as beloved children of an everlasting King.

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Questions for Personal Reflection

1. How often do you intentionally reflect on God’s greatness and goodness throughout your day?

2. In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate a greater posture of adoration and thanksgiving?

3. How does living in awe of God shape the way you see yourself, others, and the world around you?

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Walking Points

• Spend time this week slowly reading through Psalm 145. Dwell over each description of God’s character. As you read, make a list of the attributes of God that are highlighted and offer a personal prayer of praise for each one. This simple practice will help tune your heart to daily adoration and anchor you more deeply in who God is.

• Choose one tangible way each day to express gratitude to God. It might be through journaling, singing a hymn, writing a note of thanks to someone, or simply speaking your praise aloud during prayer. As you do, pay attention to how thanksgiving transforms your outlook, softens your heart, and deepens your joy. Gratitude isn’t just a duty – it’s the natural overflow of a heart captivated by grace.

Until next time, keep walking wisely, and may the Lord bless you every step of the way.

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