I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you  and extol your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1,2

Psalm 145 is an amazing Psalm that helps us get our eyes and focus off of ourselves and our problems and back on Him, the sustainer of all life.

            Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. (Vs 3,4)

When difficulties arise, what becomes our main focus?  Usually our problems, their impact on us or their effect on others. When trouble happened in David’s life, he meditated on the Lord’s sufficiency and His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

            They (God’s mighty works) 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. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (Vs 5-7)

David’s focus is evident not only in this Psalm, but in others as well. All through his life, David poured out his troubles to the Lord and also continually turned his attention back to the Father.  The result was strength and hope for his soul.

            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.  (Vs 8,9)

Because David had a trusting relationship with God, he dealt with trials by anticipating divine help.  For example, his impending fight with Goliath brought to mind God’s past and present delivering power (1 Sam. 17:37).  In facing King Saul’s murderous threats and advances, David relied on the Lord’s protection as his refuge and fortress (Ps. 18:12). And when grieving over the loss of loved ones, he let God’s presence and comfort fill his heart and mind (1 Sam. 30:3-6).

            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. (Vs. 13,14)

Just as with David, our circumstances can also serve as valuable prompts for meditation. God has given us His Word, a powerful resource where His character, works, and purposes are clearly displayed.  When your next difficulty comes, use it as a reminder to meditate on one of the  attributes of the Lord, and draw strength and hope to sustain you.

            The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him. (Vs. 17-20)