What We Pass On

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
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.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth…
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1-18,21

A song of praise voiced is a song that can stick. Melodies and words soak in and hang around the heart and mind, fingering and fine-tuning both attitude and outlook. Everyday blessing is every day passed on when praise writes the music.

Taking time apart from the hustle of life, be it long moments, Sabbath hours, or short seasons, allows God’s people to remember who He is and recount His goodnesses toward us. Focusing on His character brings to mind specific attributes we can relish and rest in. Speaking His name and particular praise fills the soul with wonder and brings sunlight to its deepest darkest recesses. Accounting for His mercies, faithfulness, and deeds on our behalf instills glad expectation for more.

Then we bubble over. Our demeanor and language cannot help but express gratitude and praise. The palpable joy invites others in and envelops those who come around and follow. Is there any who would not be attracted to unsearchable greatness, glorious splendor, abounding love?

What influence are we leaving for the next generation: complaint, self-righteousness, and arrogant boasting, or humble, vibrant, memorable praise of the gracious, mighty King and what He has done? What part do the psalms have in the routine of our days? How often, and how robustly, do we sing and extol the Lord? Are we speaking to make Him clear, and pouring forth His fame so it is sought and oft repeated?

Splendid Lord, may I sing Your praises through each days hours, passing along the wonder that You are and the glory You deserve.