In Jewish practice, this psalm was recited thrice daily – two times during morning and one time in the evening. This psalm is filled with praise from the start till end and it’s hard to find out even one supplication. It’s believed that David penned this psalm during the final years of his earthly journey. This psalm is a reflection of God’s attributes which David experienced during the varied circumstances of his life.

God’s attributes as reflected by David in this psalm

1. The Lord is great and his greatness is unsearchable (v.3).
2. The Lord is worthy of our praise (v.3).
3. The Lord is gracious (v.8).
4. The Lord is merciful (v.8).
5. The Lord is slow to anger (v.8).
6. The Lord is abounding in steadfast love (v.8).
7. The Lord is good to all (v.9).
8. The Lord’s mercy is over all that he has made (v.9).
9. The Lord upholds all who are falling (v.14).
10. The Lord raises up all who are bowed down (v.14).
11. The Lord provides food at right time to all those who look to him in hopeful expectation (v.15).
12. The Lord satisfies the desire of every living thing by his open hand (v.15).
13. The Lord is righteous in all his ways (v.17).
14. The Lord is kind in all his works (v.17).
15. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (v.18).
16. The Lord fulfills the desire of those who fear him (v.18).
17. The Lord hears the cry of those who fear him and rescues them (v.19).
18. The Lord preserves all who love him (v.20).

Also, David reflects on God’s mighty acts, glorious splendor of his majesty, his wondrous works, his awesome deeds, his greatness, his abundant goodness, his righteousness, his Kingdom glory, his power, his everlasting kingdom and dominion. While contemplating on all of these, his heart burst forth in praise and he resolves to exalt, bless and praise God forever and ever.

David’s Resolution

The year 2020 may have been tumultuous for many of you. Many of you may have lost your near and dear ones. Many of you may have lost your job or may be facing a salary cut. Many of you may have escaped from the clutches of Covid19. King David also went through many heartaches during the later years of his rule over Israel. But at the end, through this psalm, we see that he was far more resolved to praise God.

• I will extol you (v.1).
• I will bless you (v.2).
• I will meditate (v.5).
• I will declare your greatness (v.6).
• My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord (v.21).

Take your time and reflect on God’s dealing with you. Like David, your heart will also burst forth in praise to God. Be far more resolved to praise God in the year 2021. May God bless you all!!