Psalm 145: Relying on God
PEOPLE WHO HAVE experienced repeated disappointments with parents or other significant people can develop an image of an unreliable God. He is seen as a God who cannot be counted on. He makes promises he may not keep. He may be loving one day and unaccountably angry the next. People who have experienced unreliable parents may ask: "How do I know God will keep his promises? How do I know he listens to me? How do I know he will answer me or help me?" The image of an unreliable God stands in stark contrast to biblical images of God. The God of the Bible is the Faithful One, the Rock, the Fortress. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
Warming Up to God
Think of a person whom you see as reliable. Describe the person and your response to his or her reliability.
Read Psalm 145. »
Discovering the Word
- What descriptive words and phrases are used about God in this prayer?
- What phrases suggest that God is reliable?
- How does God help those who are in need (vv. 14-20)?
- What image of God comes through to you most clearly?
Applying the Word
- How does the picture of God here compare or contrast with your image of God's reliability?
- Why is it important for you to know that God is reliable?
Responding in Prayer
Offer God your thanks for his faithfulness.
For Further Study
Knowing God by J.I. Packer