I Just Want to Praise You

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts lifted in praise. Your greatness is unsearchable, and Your love is everlasting. Open our eyes today to see Your goodness, open our ears to hear Your promises, and open our hearts to trust You more deeply. May this reflection remind us that You are near to all who call upon You in truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 I exalt you, my God the King,

and bless your name forever and ever. 

2I will bless you every day;

I will praise your name forever and ever. 

3The Lord is great and is highly praised; 

his greatness is unsearchable. 

4One generation will declare your works to the next

and will proclaim your mighty acts. 

5 I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty

and your wondrous works. 

6They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts,

and I will declare your greatness.,

7They will give a testimony of your great goodness

and will joyfully sing of your righteousness. 

8The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and great in faithful love. 

9The Lord is good to everyone; 

his compassion rests on all he has made. 

10All you have made will thank you, Lord;

the faithful will bless you. 

11They will speak of the glory of your kingdom

and will declare your might, 

12informing all people of your mighty acts

and of the glorious splendor of your   kingdom. 

13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom;

your rule is for all generations. 

The Lord is faithful in all his words

and gracious in all his actions.,

14The Lord helps all who fall;

he raises up all who are oppressed.,

15All eyes look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time. 

16You open your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 

17The Lord is righteous in all his ways

and faithful in all his acts. 

18The Lord is near all who call out to him,

all who call out to him with integrity. 

19He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry for help and saves them. 

20The Lord guards all those who love him,

but he destroys all the wicked. 

21My mouth will declare the  Lord’s praise;

let every living thing

bless his holy name forever and ever. 

The story told of a young man who lost his job unexpectedly. Bills were piling up, his family was worried, and he felt like God was far away. In his despair, he confessed to me that he prayed, but his prayers were filled more with fear than with faith.

One morning, while reading Psalm 145:18 — “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” — something shifted. He told me, “If God is near when I call, then my prayers shouldn’t just be complaints or worries. They should be praises too.”

From that day forward, instead of starting his prayers with panic, he began with praise: “Lord, You are good. You are faithful. You’ve carried me before, and I know You will again.” He sang songs of worship around the house, even while still unemployed.

Within weeks, unexpected financial help arrived, and soon after he was offered a job even better than the one he lost. But what he shared with me was more powerful than the blessing itself: “I learned that praising God shifted my heart. When I praised Him, my fear gave way to faith. God didn’t just answer my prayer with provision — He gave me peace in the waiting.”

Lessons from Psalm 145

1. God’s Greatness Is Unsearchable – Verses 1–6 remind us that His works are mighty, and each generation has the responsibility to tell the next about His goodness.

2. God’s Character Is Steadfast – Verse 8 declares that He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. He doesn’t change based on our failures or the world’s chaos.

3. God Provides and Sustains – Verses 15–16 say that every creature looks to Him, and He opens His hand to satisfy our needs. Our dependence on Him is not weakness — it’s worship.

4. God Is Near to the Honest Heart – Verse 18 is the anchor: when we call on Him sincerely, He draws near. We don’t have to dress up our prayers, just bring Him our true selves.

Applications for Daily Life

• Praise intentionally – Begin your mornings by declaring at least one thing about God’s greatness.

• Tell the next generation – Share stories of God’s faithfulness with your children, grandchildren, or younger believers. Your testimony is their encouragement.

• Practice honest prayer – Instead of polished words, speak to God authentically, just as you are.

• Trust His timing – Even in waiting, remember that God is near and sustaining you.

Gospel Songs to Accompany This Devotional

"Praise Is What I Do" by William Murphy

"I Will Bless the Lord at All Times" by Joe Pace

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” – classic reminder of God’s unchanging love.

“You Are Good” by Israel Houghton – a joyful declaration of God’s goodness.

“Nearer My God to Thee” – a prayerful cry to be close to Him.

“Draw Me Nearer” by Fanny Crosby / modern gospel renditions – a song of intimacy with God.

“The Lord Is My Light” by Andraé Crouch – celebrating God’s sustaining presence.

Lord, we exalt You as King forever and ever. Thank You that You are near when we call, and that Your hand is always open to provide for us. Teach us to tell others of Your greatness, to praise You daily, and to pray with hearts that are honest and true. May our lives reflect Your compassion, Your faithfulness, and Your nearness. In the name of Jesus, Amen.