He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them
(Psalm 145:19)
God is always just and faithful. Even when circumstances are challenging, we can trust in His decisions and timing, knowing that He acts with perfect righteousness. Our approach to God is with honesty and a genuine heart for He is near to those who truly seek Him and calls on Him sincerely. With a true heart, we are cultivating a genuine and honest relationship with God.
God listens to the cries of those who fear Him and fulfills their desires. We should maintain a reverent attitude towards God, trusting that He is attentive to our needs and prayers. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness, avoiding actions that lead to wickedness, make praise and gratitude a regular part of our lives, acknowledging God’s goodness and sharing His love with others.
God’s Faithful Hand
In trials and in joy, His justice stands,
With perfect timing, He guides our hands.
When life is tough, His righteousness shines,
In His decisions, our hearts align.
With honesty and hearts so true,
We seek Him, and He draws us through.
Near to those who earnestly call,
In His presence, we stand tall.
He hears the cries of those who fear,
Fulfilling desires, drawing near.
With reverence, we trust His care,
In every need, He’s always there.
Reflecting love, in righteousness we tread,
Avoiding paths where wickedness is spread.
With praise and gratitude, our lives we mold,
Sharing His goodness, His love untold.
Prayer of Trust and Gratitude
Heavenly Father, You are always just and faithful. Even when circumstances are challenging, we trust in Your decisions and timing, knowing that You act with perfect righteousness. Help us to approach You with honesty and a genuine heart, for You are near to those who truly seek You and call on You sincerely.
With a true heart, we strive to cultivate a genuine and honest relationship with You. You listen to the cries of those who fear You and fulfill their desires. May we maintain a reverent attitude towards You, trusting that You are attentive to our needs and prayers.
Guide us to live in a way that reflects Your love and righteousness, avoiding actions that lead to wickedness. Let praise and gratitude be a regular part of our lives, acknowledging Your goodness and sharing Your love with others.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Fifth Book - Psalms 107-150
THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD
Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21
R: The Lord is near to all who call upon him.
17 The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (R) 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The Lord keeps all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (R) 21 May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Background:
Psalm 145 is a beautiful hymn of praise attributed to King David. It is an acrostic poem, meaning each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structure emphasizes the completeness and perfection of God’s praise.
Verse 17: “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.” This highlights God’s perfect justice and faithfulness. Everything He does is right and trustworthy.
Verse 18: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” This verse assures us of God’s closeness to those who sincerely seek Him. It emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and honesty in our relationship with God.
Verse 19: “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” This verse speaks of God’s responsiveness to the prayers of those who revere Him. It shows His willingness to fulfill their needs and deliver them from trouble.
Verse 20: “The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” Here, the psalmist contrasts God’s protection of the faithful with His judgment on the wicked.
Verse 21: “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” This concluding verse is a call to continuous praise, inviting all creation to join in glorifying God.
Context and Significance
Psalm 145 is often recited in Jewish daily prayers and is cherished for its profound expressions of God’s attributes. It serves as a reminder of God’s greatness, goodness, and the importance of sincere worship. The psalm encourages believers to trust in God’s righteousness and faithfulness, and to live in a way that reflects genuine reverence and love for Him.
Learning Lessons:
God’s Righteousness and Faithfulness: Verse 17 reminds us that God is always just and faithful. This teaches us to trust in His decisions and timing, knowing that He acts with perfect righteousness.
Closeness to God: Verse 18 emphasizes that God is near to those who call on Him sincerely. This encourages us to cultivate a genuine and honest relationship with God, seeking Him with a true heart.
God’s Responsiveness: Verse 19 shows that God listens to the cries of those who fear Him and fulfills their desires. This teaches us the importance of reverence and trust in God, knowing that He is attentive to our needs and prayers.
Protection and Judgment: Verse 20 contrasts God’s protection of those who love Him with His judgment on the wicked. This serves as a reminder to live in a way that aligns with God’s will, fostering love and obedience to Him.
Continuous Praise: The final verse calls us to continually praise God and invites all creation to join in. This encourages us to live a life of gratitude and worship, recognizing God’s greatness and sharing His praise with others.
Practical Applications
Trust in God’s Plan: Embrace the belief that God’s ways are just and faithful, even when circumstances are challenging.
Seek God Sincerely: Approach God with honesty and a genuine heart, knowing that He is near to those who truly seek Him.
Revere and Trust: Maintain a reverent attitude towards God, trusting that He hears and responds to our prayers.
Live Righteously: Strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness, avoiding actions that lead to wickedness.
Cultivate Gratitude: Make praise and gratitude a regular part of your life, acknowledging God’s goodness and sharing His love with others.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
