Ads for God’s Compassion – Psalm 145

A text — Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21
145:8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
145:9 The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
145:14 The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
145:15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
145:16 You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.
145:17 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.
145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
145:19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them.
145:20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

A reflection:

The Lord is good to all, and God’s compassion is over all that God has made. Look at all the all’s there.

But we don’t really believe that. If we did, we would behave more justly across the board in life and not so easily stand in judgment. I would not harrumph at something one of my relatives does, or get my nose out of joint when I am overlooked by someone I know.  After all, if God’s compassion falls upon every person that God has made, then none of us need fear being left out or in want.  And we can afford to regard everyone with compassion. If God does, why not us?

If God is full of compassion, how does God show that compassion? The Psalmist says God upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Even if they don’t go to church, right?

Does God do that? How? Let’s look this week for someone in our acquaintance who is truly bowed down, and let’s see God at work. I am thinking of folks who are going through challenging medical struggles. Some people we know have made it to retirement and were ready to enjoy the good life when the husband was suddenly faced with a terrible diagnosis, and spent months treating that condition. He came through it at last, but learned two months later that his spouse has an equally frightening condition.

How is God upholding them and raising them up? Even if they might not realize it’s God who is lifting them?

They say that they have bad days, but they are lifted by their doctors’ confidence and competence, their friends’ encouragement, and the support they feel every day.

They are a walking ad for God’s compassion and lifting up. They believe it. They can feel the lift.

Do you believe it?

What about someone you know? Someone who is bowed down and then uplifted by God? Could you find such a person in your circle this week and investigate how God is with them?

What about you yourself? What about me? We might also be walking ads for God’s compassion and faithfulness.

A prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for your compassion and your abundance of help.  Please remind us that you are there and ready to uphold us. Amen.