HOW GREAT THOU ART!

The musical background and cadence of the poetical construction of the Psalms assume that God’s people are in tune with Him. He has put a new song in their mouths, even praise to His name, Psa. 40. 3. They have discovered Christ, in whom all true concord and harmony are found.

In Psalm 145, they extol (uplift) Him, by giving Him the pre-eminence in all things, v. 1; they bless Him (speak well of Him and desire His glory). This they wish to do for ever and ever, not only in eternity, but day by day, varied as those days may be, v. 2. In this they abundantly utter (bubble over in speaking) His great goodness, v. 7.

God’s greatness is in the mighty acts of His redeeming works, v. 4, in His awe-inspiring acts which show His righteousness, v. 6, in His great and tender mercies, vv. 8-9. His people speak together of those things that pertain to His kingdom, and they make them known to others, for the power and goodness of the gospel is to do with His counsels and kingdom, v. 12; Acts 20. 24-25. When the Lord is so magnified, man finds his true stature; but when man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a small parcel, Isa. 21. 17 R.V.

The might and glory of all these acts of our Great God assures support for those who fall and for those bent under heavy burdens, v. 14; Matt. 11. 28; Luke 13. 11. Better still, the Lord will enlarge our steps under us, if we are willing, so that we do not slip, Psa. 18. 36. Those who are restored fear Him, call upon Him, and love Him, 145. 18-20.

Moreover, they have spiritual desires implanted in their hearts by His supportive hand, and these He will fulfil, for they supremely desire His will alone, vv. 19-20. They would concur with the Scripture that states, “this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us”, 1 John 5. 14.

All flesh shall yet bless His holy name, for at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, Psa. 145. 21; Phil. 2. 10-11, because His is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, 1 Chron. 29. 11; Matt. 6. 13.

But now “My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord”, Psa. 145. 21; Rom. 15. 6.