READ: Psalm 144-145
The last paragraph of Psalm 144 is a prayer of blessing. It is a request
to God for prosperity and abundance in every area. Specifically David asks the
Lord for sons who will be like strong, grown-up plants even while they are
still young. He asks for daughters who will be strong, wise and beautiful
enough to be national leaders. He requests abundant food, and also profitable
business ventures. He is bold and brazen in his request for blessings. Often,
we are afraid to ask for blessings. We feel it is prideful or somehow we don’t
deserve blessing so we don’t ask. Some have a hidden belief that blessing must
be a surprise from God, an unexpected gift. We may believe that because it is
impolite to ask a friend to give you gifts, it is also impolite to ask God to
give us gifts. Yet David doesn’t hold back a bit! It is obvious to Him God
blesses those who fear Him and whom He chooses to bless. David understands
God’s immense love for him and counts on it.
Psalm 145 is a song of praise. God is revered from generation to
generation. It is poignant to note the Psalmist is reminding us of the command
to tell the stories of what God has done, to share with the next generation all
the mighty acts and deeds of the Lord. This passing on of God’s wonders from
one generation to the next is a serious undertaking and must not be taken
lightly because this is the very way God can and will be glorified throughout
the ages.
This chapter also speaks of God’s kindness. His kindness is beautiful,
and draws all people to Himself. This is consistent with what we read in Romans
2:4, which says God kindness leads people to repentance. He is not a
heavy-handed God who wills us to fall flat on our face and fail over and over
before He’ll finally lower Himself to pick us up. No! Not at all! He is a God
who stoops, and reaches, lifts and carries, gives and protects, listens and
blesses because of His kindness. Anyone who has ever experienced the genuine
kindness of another understands the draw there is to the kind person. This is
the stance God takes with us, to overwhelm us with His kindness.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Take a few moments to think through what your
genuine heart desires are for yourself, your family, your career, etc. Journal
and pray a prayer requesting those very things as a blessing from God. Remember
we are not guaranteed to receive everything we ask for, but we can be assured
God will listen and give us those things He knows will be for our benefit. James
4:2 says we don’t have because we don’t ask. The Lord is giving you permission
to ask!
2.
Write down things you know God has done for your
parents and grandparents, or other extended family in generations past. Ask the
Lord to reveal His hand at work even if they were not serving God. Ask Him to
give you spiritual eyes to see and the ability to remember those things as part
of His blessing toward you. Make a point to journal at least one or two things
today that God has done for you. Share this with someone in your family or
extended family to ensure they see God as currently active and living and
participating in the lives of people.
3.
Reread Psalm 145 and while you do write down all
the things this psalm points to as acts of Kindness from God. Put a star beside
those acts of kindness you have personally experienced. Spend time thanking Him
for His kindness and enjoying His presence.
