Lent Devotional

Hi, fam! My name is Rob Langworthy. I am married to the marvelous Jamie Langworthy and we have three children. I've been attending Fellowship since 2015. I've served in prison ministry, life groups, kids ministry, and I currently serve on the elder board. I love all that God is doing through our wonderful church for the glory of His kingdom. My focus for this devotional is Psalm 145.

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This is a beautiful, joyous psalm of worship. Three features stand out.

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First, in verse 4, we see "one generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts." This is a picture of Fellowship. We are blessed with a diversity of generations in our congregation. Both the seasoned and the young take turns encouraging each other by speaking of the glorious splendor of our Savior's majesty. This is how our wise Father intended, and He is good!

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Second, we are called to praise the Lord at all times and in all ways. The depth and breadth of Christ's love is springing off these pages. The word "all" is used 19 times in this one psalm. 19! Each of the "all's" points to a different reason we should give glory to our King. The cascade starts in verse 9: "the Lord is good to all; he has compassion for all he has made." "The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does" verse 13. "The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" verses 17–18. And on and on. The psalmist is reminding us of the countless reasons to give honor to our Redeemer.

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Third, it's all about Him, not me. Our Savior is endlessly good, abounding in love, rich in mercy, upholding all who fall, lifting all who are bowed down, and his greatness no one can fathom. Why do I try to put the spotlight on myself, my wants, my grumbles, my preferences, when the glorious Lord is busy creating, loving, watching over, fulfilling, and being worthy of constant praise?

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As you think about your day-to-day life, routines, and habits, how have you made life all about you? If my friends took an inventory, would I be marked as someone focused on my own wants, goals, plans, and feelings? In what have you been amazed by God? Who have you told about those ways you're amazed? Who needs to be reminded of God's goodness in your life today? Let's come away from Psalm 145 encouraged and recentered on our glorious heavenly Father.