Praising God for His Goodness

"I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness" (Psalm 145:5-7, KJV).

The word “terrible” used here means that his acts are so great that they cause astonishment and awe. We cannot deny God’s claim that we are to praise him in all his excellence, but we are especially called to praise him for his goodness.

Note that the psalmist insists on an abundance of praise in memory of the Father’s goodness. It was common for David to sing these praises as lavish utterances, as if to cause the praise to gush out like water rushing from a fountain.

In Psalm 107:8-9, David writes, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness."

This truth of praising God for his past goodness struck a chord in my heart, and I was moved to do as David did. We are called to celebrate his goodness!

David reflects on the goodness he proclaims; God’s inclination to use mercy as he sympathizes with our afflictions and miseries. David borrowed from Exodus 34:6, where God reveals himself to Moses: “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.”

Beloved, look back over the past and remember how good the Lord has been to you. Meditate on his compassion that never failed to bring you through. Delight in praising God in all circumstances, but especially for his goodness. Not only for what he has done in the past, but for the daily blessings that surround you even now.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).