Introduction
The book of Psalms has always resonated deeply with people across generations. These are not just ancient texts; they are raw, honest expressions of faith, doubt, joy, and sorrow—emotions that are timeless and universally human. As Charles Spurgeon wisely noted, “The Psalms are to be experienced rather than studied.” They offer us a window into the hearts of those who wrestled with life’s complexities, much like we do today. For anyone questioning the relevance of the Bible in modern times, the Psalms stand as a powerful testament to its enduring wisdom. They don’t shy away from the harsh realities of life but meet them head-on, offering solace and perspective. Psalm 145, in particular, gives us a profound glimpse into the character of God as experienced by David. In this Psalm, David articulates five magnificent attributes of God: His Great Works, His Great Deeds, His Great Goodness, His Great Love, and His Great Kingdom. This exploration echoes the sentiment of the well-known worship Song How Great Is Our God, inviting us to contemplate and celebrate the immeasurable greatness of our Lord.
How great is our God
1) His Great Works
Verses 1-3 of Psalm 145 are a powerful declaration of praise. They extol God for who He is, for His actions, and for His constant provision. These verses establish that God is inherently worthy of our praise, regardless of our circumstances. The language used – “exalt,” “extol,” “worthy,” and “fathom” – might seem lofty, but their meaning is profound. To “exalt” is to lift high, to elevate. To “extol” is another word for praise, emphasizing enthusiastic admiration. “Worthy” signifies something deserving of high regard and respect. And to say God is beyond our ability to “fathom” is to acknowledge the limitlessness of His greatness.
In simpler terms, these verses express a deep, unwavering commitment to praise God continually. It’s like being overwhelmed by something wonderful and feeling compelled to share it endlessly. Imagine the excitement of seeing an incredible movie or witnessing a breathtaking sporting event. You might find yourself recounting every detail to anyone who will listen, unable to contain your enthusiasm. David’s praise for God in these opening verses is similar. He isn’t praising God for a specific act yet, but simply for His intrinsic nature, for the sheer magnitude of who God is. He declares, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom” (Psalm 145:3 NIV). This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of God’s attributes, much like the song How Great Is Our God builds a crescendo of adoration.
2) His Great Deeds
In verses 4-6, David shifts his focus to the past, reflecting on the countless blessings and deliverances he has experienced. Remembering God’s past actions naturally leads to praise. He recalls God’s faithfulness throughout his life, prompting him to acknowledge both who God is and what He has done.
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.” (Psalm 145:4-6 NIV)
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David’s life was filled with dramatic events. He likely remembered God’s protection when facing wild animals as a shepherd, the miraculous victory over Goliath, and his improbable ascent from humble beginnings to the throne of Israel. These weren’t just lucky breaks; they were tangible demonstrations of God’s hand in his life. Similarly, each of us can reflect on moments where God’s intervention was evident. We can recall answered prayers, times of profound spiritual connection, and God’s sustaining presence during difficult seasons. Counting these blessings, “naming them one by one,” as the hymn suggests, reinforces our gratitude and strengthens our faith.
Hindsight, in this context, becomes a powerful tool for Christian encouragement. When we feel discouraged or overwhelmed, looking back at God’s faithfulness in our past can revitalize our spirits. These memories act as spiritual markers along our journey, providing reassurance and renewed hope in challenging times. Just as the song How Great Is Our God reminds us of God’s power and majesty, reflecting on His past deeds in our lives reinforces our trust in His ongoing presence and provision.
3) His Great Goodness
Verse 7 emphasizes the outpouring of praise that arises when people witness and share stories of God’s actions. Testimonies of God’s work naturally reveal His inherent goodness. “They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:7 NIV)
Many people struggle to accept the idea of God’s inherent goodness. Life experiences, personal backgrounds, and even religious teachings can sometimes create a distorted image of God. Some may perceive God as distant, demanding, or even punitive, struggling to believe that He is genuinely kind, generous, and desires good for them. This misconception can stem from difficult family relationships, past traumas, or legalistic religious environments.
This skewed perception paints a picture of God as a stern, unforgiving figure, constantly scrutinizing our actions and waiting for us to fail. It’s the image of a hypercritical parent, never satisfied, always pointing out flaws, regardless of our efforts. These harmful images, ingrained over time, can prevent people from trusting in God’s true nature. However, the reality is profoundly different. God’s goodness is not just an abstract concept; it is a foundational aspect of His character, consistently demonstrated through His actions. As Romans 8:31 boldly proclaims, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This verse, often quoted in sermons and songs about how great is our God, underscores the unwavering support and benevolent nature of God towards those who believe.
4) His Great Love
Verses 8-9 build upon the theme of God’s goodness by highlighting His love. David recognizes that God’s goodness is not just demonstrated through powerful acts, but also through His compassionate and loving nature. These verses shift to the present tense, emphasizing that these attributes are not just historical accounts but are descriptive of God’s character today. “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.” (Psalm 145:8-9 NIV)
Gracious and compassionate
The verses list five interconnected qualities: gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, rich in love, and good to all. These can be visualized as layers, like peeling an onion. The outer layers—God’s works and faithfulness—lead us to the inner layers—God’s goodness and kingdom—ultimately revealing the core: God’s love. Everything about God, when examined deeply, points back to His love as the central, defining characteristic.
John 3:16-17 beautifully encapsulates this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (NIV). This passage, often sung about and referenced in discussions about songs like How Great Is Our God, powerfully illustrates the depth and breadth of God’s love. It’s a love that motivates sacrifice, redemption, and a desire to restore and heal the world, not to condemn it. God’s love is the driving force behind the church’s existence and the reason many find themselves drawn to faith. It’s a transformative love that changes lives for the better, inspiring a desire to share this experience with others.
5) His Great Kingdom
Verses 10-13 conclude this Psalm by focusing on God’s Kingdom, emphasizing its eternal and universal nature. “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.” (Psalm 145:10-13 NIV)
Kingdoms of the world
Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, God’s kingdom is enduring and unchanging. Throughout history, empires have emerged, dominated, and then faded into obscurity. Consider Babylon, the Roman Empire, or more recent examples like the Soviet Union – powerful in their time, yet now relegated to history books. Human kingdoms are temporal and limited, reflecting the fleeting nature of worldly power. In contrast, God’s kingdom “is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalm 145:13b NIV). This timeless quality distinguishes God’s reign from all earthly powers.
God’s consistency and permanence offer a stark contrast to the ever-changing world around us. He is not a deity who withdraws, forgets, or changes with trends. He remains present, active, and engaged in our world today. His desire is to impact our lives so that we, in turn, can extend His Kingdom here on earth. This is reflected in the Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 NIV). Jesus himself embodied the values of this Kingdom, preaching good news to the marginalized, offering freedom to the oppressed, and bringing healing and forgiveness to all. He moved amongst all people – the rich, the poor, the outcast – demonstrating compassion and addressing their deepest needs. Living out our faith means embracing opportunities to reflect God’s love in practical ways, following Jesus’ example in our communities, and contributing to the expansion of His eternal Kingdom. This call to action resonates with the themes of service and devotion often found in songs about how great is our God, inspiring believers to actively participate in God’s ongoing work in the world.
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Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of life and emerge from challenging times, Psalm 145 provides a timeless anchor in the greatness of God. Reflecting on His Great Works, Deeds, Goodness, Love, and Kingdom offers perspective and hope.
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Life’s difficulties often force us to re-evaluate our priorities and focus on what truly matters. In times of crisis, we often witness an outpouring of generosity and community spirit, as people extend kindness and support to one another. However, moving forward can present its own set of challenges. It’s crucial to acknowledge the potential for lingering grief, trauma, and mental health challenges in the aftermath of difficult periods. In these times, the church plays a vital role as “a touchstone of hope and a pillar of strength,” offering unwavering love and peace to those in need.
Psalm 145 reassures us that we serve a great God – a God of great works, great goodness, great love, and a great kingdom. May we all find joy and strength in recognizing His greatness, and may we actively participate as co-workers with Him in extending His Kingdom, trusting our future into His capable hands. Let the song How Great Is Our God serve as a constant reminder of His majesty and inspire us to live lives of praise and service.
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author, Revd Paul A. Carr. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name.
