Psalm 145:8-15 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 145:8-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 8The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Verse 9The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
Verse 10All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.
Verse 11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,
Verse 12to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Verse 13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
Verse 14The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
Verse 15The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
Devotion
Quick — think of your best friend. What is it about him or her that draws you? Are they funny, generous, reliable, trustworthy? Do they understand you, care about you, really listen to you? Maybe they're not afraid to tell you the truth, even when it's hard. Or maybe you know you can count on them to always be there for you. Whatever the reason, the saying goes, “a good friend is a found treasure.”
The psalmist writes of another such treasure: a good God. Our God is brave, compassionate, mighty. He is faithful, loving and steadfast. But he is more than just our friend. He is our creator, our protector, our redeemer. He is our rock and our salvation. Thanks be to God that we have such a friend!
Prayer
I praise you, my God and King, for your wonderful works ... not the least of which is your love for me. Thank you for being my best friend. Amen.