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The world is full of hurt and pain. Just because we are Christ followers, it does not make us immune to this truth. Where do we turn when it seems like our world is spinning out of control? I think there is great wisdom in following the example of King David when his world was being tossed about. He praised his God.

In my devotions, I came across Psalm 145, and in the quietness of my own spirit, I, like David, was able to focus not on the problems of the world but on the greatness of our God. V. 1-3, “I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. David looks past all that is going on around him, and he remembers how great the God he serves really is. In this mindset, all David can do is worship.

David then teaches us something very important, and that is, it is one thing to focus on God, but we also need to be specific about His greatness. What is it that makes God great in our lives? David gives a list in verses 8-12, “The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. 9 The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. 10 All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You. 11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; 12 To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.” We are reminded of our God’s graciousness and mercy. We have all reaped from this grace and mercy through our salvation. We are also reminded that our God is slow to anger. We are told in the New Testament that it is the Lord’s will that none should perish, but all come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We know that our Lord is a loving God. This brings us all to brag about the Father, and we do not shrink back from giving praise and worship.

The rest of this Psalm speaks of God’s help to the fallen, to those who are oppressed. David speaks of God’s righteousness. He cannot be bribed, nor does He show favoritism. We are to remember that our God is the great protector of all who belong to Him. Then David leaves us with a promise that he makes to God, and that is his mouth will declare the Lord’s praise.

When we are in the depths of despair, look up. Look to and find worship in your heart for the God that saves. Remember His goodness and His protection. As I always say, do not operate out of emotion or feeling, but operate out of the truth of who your God is. I know it is hard when life gets rough, but King David did it, and so can we.