"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."
Psalm 145
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4Tradition plays such a great role in sport. Yesterday was the final of the FA Cup (football). The first final was 149 years ago. The modern Olympics go back to 1896, the ancient ones to 776BC. We are following in the footsteps of many who have gone before.
Worship of our God is not new. Again, as followers of Jesus we are making the baton from the previous generation and passing it to the next. And it is even better than that as the Psalmist writes: Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (v13)
The Psalmist sets out the reasons to praise God:
The splendour of your majesty—
Your wonderful works
The power of your awesome works—
Your great deeds.
Your abundant goodness
Your righteousness
Your greatness.
But it is not just that God is powerful, the writer states that God is good, elaborating: The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all;
The Psalmist can reach only one conclusion: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever”.
Take a moment to reflect on the characteristics of God. Apply them to your own situation, challenges, desires and needs. And, as the Apostle Paul would say, “Be thankful!”