David declares, "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever." The direction of his heart and his life is very clear. The Lord is his God and his King. David knows him very personally and has experienced the greatness of God throughout his life. The fact that a mere mortal intends to praise God forever and ever is a clue to the hope we have in our God. The psalm builds as God's praise is passed from one generation to another. Each generation can praise God because of the salvation they have received. We can sing because, although we were sinners, Christ died for us. In Jesus, we have tasted the goodness and righteousness of God and we can't help but to sing his praise to the next generation.

In verse 8, David echoes the words the Lord used to describe himself in Exodus. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. This is how he applies his power and glory; he is good to all and the whole universe sings his praise. His faithful people extol him because he has made them citizens of his glorious kingdom. The doors of his kingdom are open for all who will come in and it is a kingdom that will never end. The benefits of the Lord are wonderful and are experienced by those who belong to him. He is faithful, righteous, near to us, watchful, and satisfying. Praise his holy name!


Application: Father, you alone are worthy of our praise.
One Word: I will praise you forever and ever!