JULY 23
Psalm 145:6-7, “They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.”
“I’m gonna live forever, I’m gonna learn how to fly”—so proclaims the chorus of Irene Cara’s Fame, capturing the human longing to be remembered and admired. Yet as Horace Greeley wisely observed, “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.” While human fame fades, Psalm 145 directs our attention to a name and reputation that endures forever—God’s. In verses 6 and 7, David declares, “They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” God’s “fame” is not superficial or short-lived; it flows from the response to His greatness and abundant goodness. He is famous not for what He gains, but for what He gives.
Psalm 145 overflows with descriptions of God’s nature—He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8). He is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works (Psalm 145:13), near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18), and upholds all who are falling (Psalm 145:14). These are not fleeting acts of goodness but enduring truths about who God is. Unlike human fame, which rises and falls with public opinion, God’s worthiness is eternal. As verse 4 proclaims, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” His fame deserves to be passed on—not as a fading memory, but as a living testimony of who He is and what He has done.
It’s not enough to simply admire or intellectually consider these truths; we are called to respond. Not only should we meditate on His attributes, but we should also praise Him in them. Praise anchors our hearts in the reality of His greatness and declares to others that He alone is worthy. In praise of Him, we join the chorus of all the preceding generations who have done the same. His fame is timeless, and one day in heaven our eyes will be fully opened to all the reasons why.
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Questions: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek recognition or approval from others, and how can focusing on God’s eternal greatness help realign your priorities? How can you make praise a more regular part of your daily rhythm—not just for what God does, but for who He is?
LookingtoJesus 