July 5 | Psalm 145

Todd Marti
Jul 4
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

The Ultimate Shepherd & How to Respond to Him

By Todd Marti

The past three weeks’ readings have focused on shepherds and how we are to relate to them. Those readings have shown us the traits of good and bad shepherds, how good shepherds are with us in the midst of our difficulties, and how we are to respond to the blessings that result from good shepherding.

Today’s reading, Psalm 145, pulls all those things together by describing the very best shepherd and how we are to respond to him.

That shepherd is God. This reading describes his beneficence: his “goodness,” “compassion” and how he “watches over those who love him[.]” Verses 7, 9, and 20. We can trust his leadership. It describes his great love for, and patience with, his flock: how he is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Verse 8. We can trust that he will stick with us even when we mess up. This reading also describes His omnipotence: “greatness that no one can fathom,” the “power of his awesome works,” and the “glorious splendor of his kingdom.” Verses 3, 6, and 11. He has the power to lead and protect us. We are truly blessed to have such a shepherd.

Today’s reading also describes how we are to respond to our perfect shepherd. We are to let him know how much we appreciate him, to “exalt,” “praise,” and “joyfully sing of [his] righteousness” and to do so “[e]very day[.]” Verses 1 and 2. Let him know that you recognize his goodness and do so on a regular basis. We are to communicate his goodness to others, to “commend[] and “tell of [his] mighty acts,” “speak of the glorious splendor of [his] majesty,” and “tell of the power of [his] awesome works[.]” Verses 4, 5, and 6. Share his goodness so others can get in on it. We are to stay in close communication with our wonderful shepherd, to “meditate on [his] wonderful works,” “call on him in truth,” and “cry’ to him in our distress. Verses 5, 18, and 19. Draw close to him so you can be more responsive to his wise, loving, leadership.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your perfect love, your perfect wisdom, and your perfect power. Draw us, tune us, to you so we can follow your loving lead. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our good shepherd. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TODD MARTI

I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.