November 18, 2025

LIVE EACH DAY IN GRATITUDE AND TRUST

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.

I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.”

“The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”

“The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.

When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.”

“The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”

“The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.”

Psalm 145:1–3, 8, 15–16, 18, 20 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

This Psalm is the last one recorded under David’s name. When we think about David’s life, there were many moments he could have written about.

He could have recalled his triumph over Goliath, his victories in battle, or his reign as Israel’s greatest king. He could have reflected on being called a man after God’s own heart.

He might also have written about his failures — his sins, his family struggles, and the shame of his choices.

But instead of focusing on his past successes or failures, David chose to focus entirely on the Lord. He begins by declaring, “Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!” (v. 3).

Then David describes several of God’s unchanging attributes that still give us strength today:

1. He Is Merciful and Compassionate

Many people grow up with a view of God as a harsh judge — distant and ready to punish. I once thought that way too, afraid that God was just waiting for me to mess up.

But Scripture gives us a very different picture: God is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and full of unfailing love. Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). That’s who our God truly is.

2. He Is Our Provider

David reminds us that God gives food to every living thing and satisfies every need (vv. 15–16). God is the One who sustains our lives each day.

Paul echoes this truth in the New Testament: “My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

We can rest in confidence that the same God who provides for creation will provide for us too.

3. He Is Close

When life is hard, it can feel like God is far away. But David assures us, “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth” (v. 18).

God is not distant — He is present. The New Testament reminds us that His Spirit lives within us: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Wherever you go, God is near.

4. He Is Our Protector

David closes by saying, “The Lord protects all those who love Him” (v. 20).

We can trust that our God is our defender and shield. He watches over His children and holds them secure. No matter what we face, we can rest in His care.

Take a few moments today to thank God for who He is — merciful, compassionate, faithful, and near. Praise Him not just for what He’s done, but for who He is.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and compassion, for Your provision, Your presence, and Your protection. Help me to always remember who You are and to live each day in gratitude and trust. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”