The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you.  They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
—Psalms 145:8-16

~~~~~

Overflowing Blessings From God
By Jennifer Kane

The Lord is gracious, full of compassion still,
His mercy flows as rivers, never dry.
In patience, He calls His people to His side,
And draws them near with tender, boundless love.

The Lord is good to all His hands have made,
His care extends to every living thing.
From dawn’s first light to twilight’s fading glow,
His kindness shines and warms the waiting earth.

All works of Yours, O Lord, proclaim Your name,
And saints give voice to bless Your holiness.
From stars above to blades of swaying grass,
Creation sings of Your eternal power.

Your kingdom’s glory they declare with awe,
And tell the world the greatness of Your deeds.
From smallest whispers to the heavens’ roar,
Your mighty works are known in every tongue.

The wonders of Your hands are shared by all,
Your power moves through every distant land.
From age to age, we speak of what You’ve done,
Your kingdom stands through time and never falls.

Eternal Lord, Your rule shall never end,
In faithfulness You keep each promised word.
Through every age, Your justice stays the same,
A steadfast Rock, unshaken and secure.

You lift the fallen, give the weak their strength,
And raise the weary, bowed beneath their load.
Your mercy spreads as shelter in the storm,
A refuge for the broken-hearted soul.

To You all eyes are raised; You meet each need,
Your open hand supplies both great and small.
From earth’s expanse, Your blessings freely pour,
Enough to fill each longing, every heart.

The earth rejoices, every creature sings,
For in Your care, they find their life renewed.
Your goodness feeds the sparrow and the lion,
And satisfies the hearts of those who seek.

~~~~~

Scripture: Psalms 145:8-16

Psalm 145 is a beautiful hymn of praise that draws our hearts to the character and works of God. David begins by declaring that the Lord is gracious, full of compassion, and abounding in mercy (v. 8). These words remind us of God’s self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 34:6), where He declared His nature as not only powerful but tenderly loving.

God’s kindness is evident in His goodness to all creation (v. 9). This “common grace” reaches even those who do not acknowledge Him, as Jesus noted when He said that God sends rain on the just and the unjust alike (Matthew 5:45). The Apostle Paul echoed this truth in Acts 14:17, pointing to God’s provision of rain and fruitful seasons as evidence of His kindness. Moreover, Job reminds us that God’s light rises on all people (Job 25:3), showing that His blessings are as universal as the sunrise.

As David continues, he shifts focus to the responsibility of God’s people to speak of His glory and power. Creation itself testifies to God’s greatness (Romans 1:20), but we, His saints, are called to declare His mighty acts and the majesty of His everlasting kingdom (v. 10-13). How often do we speak of God’s goodness to others? Let’s be challenged to move beyond formal preaching to everyday conversations that proclaims Christ to everyone.

The psalm concludes with a beautiful assurance of God’s care for those in need (v. 14-16). Whether we have fallen (Isaiah 41:10), are weighed down with burdens (Matthew 11:28-30), or are simply waiting on His provision (Philippians 4:19), God’s kindness extends to us. He upholds, raises up, and satisfies the desires of every living thing.

Meditate on God’s graciousness, compassion, and mercy. How have you experienced these qualities in your life? Make a point this week to share a testimony of God’s goodness in your conversations, letting others see His mighty acts through your words. If you feel burdened or in need, lift your eyes to the Lord, trusting Him to sustain you. Remember His promise to open His hand and satisfy your needs in due season.

Today, take a walk in nature and observe the evidence of God’s goodness in creation (Psalm 19:1-2). Let it inspire you to praise Him and share His love with someone who may need encouragement.

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of Your compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Thank You for the countless blessings You pour out on all creation and for the way You meet my needs. You uphold me when I fall, lift me when I am burdened, and strengthen me when I am weary.

Lord, teach me to trust You more deeply and to rest in Your abundant provision. Open my eyes to the evidence of Your goodness around me, and fill my heart with gratitude. Help mr to speak boldly of Your mighty works and to share Your love with others in my daily life.

I ask that You give me a heart that rejoiced in You, a mind that meditates on Your truth, and a spirit that restd in Your unshakable promises. In every moment, remind me that You are my refuge, my strength, and my ever-present help. I praise You for who You are, and I give You all the glory. In the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen.

December 26 2024