What does Psalm 145:5 teach about God's "wondrous works"? Setting the Verse in Its Flow Psalm 145 is David’s burst of praise, celebrating God’s character and mighty deeds. Verse 5 sits at the heart of the psalm’s opening stanza: “On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works I will meditate.” Key Terms That Light Up the Verse • “Glorious splendor” – points to God’s dazzling, royal magnificence. • “Majesty” – emphasizes His sovereign reign over all creation. • “Wondrous works” – literally, “miracles” or “marvels,” the visible acts that display His power and goodness. • “I will meditate” – a deliberate, focused pondering, not a passing thought. What the Verse Reveals About God’s Wondrous Works • They flow out of His majestic nature. God’s works are not random; they perfectly match His glorious character (cf. Exodus 15:11; Psalm 111:3–4). • They are designed to be remembered. David sets his mind on them, showing that God’s deeds invite continual reflection (Deuteronomy 4:9). • They are openly observable. God’s wonders are not hidden in secret corners but displayed in history and creation (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20). • They inspire awe-filled worship. Meditating on the works naturally stirs praise (Psalm 40:5; Revelation 15:3). • They encourage personal engagement. “I will meditate” signals an individual response; each believer is called to join in the same reflection, not rely solely on the testimony of others (Psalm 77:11–12). • They testify to God’s covenant faithfulness. His miraculous acts—whether splitting the Red Sea or raising Christ—prove He always keeps His promises (Joshua 24:16–17; Acts 2:22–24). Examples of His Wondrous Works to Meditate On • Creation of the universe (Genesis 1; Psalm 33:6–9) • Deliverance at the Exodus (Exodus 14) • Provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16–17) • Victories granted to Israel (1 Samuel 17:45–47) • Prophetic fulfillments culminating in Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:44–46) • Ongoing providence in sustaining all things (Colossians 1:17) • Personal salvation stories—every transformed life is a modern-day wonder (2 Corinthians 5:17) How This Shapes Daily Worship • Cultivate intentional remembrance—keep a record of answered prayers and providential moments. • Speak of His deeds to others—David’s meditation spills over into proclamation (Psalm 145:6). • Anchor hope in future grace—past wonders guarantee that God will act again (Isaiah 46:9–10). • Let marvel replace worry—pondering divine miracles steadies the heart amid uncertainty (Philippians 4:6–8). Summary Snapshot Psalm 145:5 shows that God’s wondrous works are majestic demonstrations of His nature, meant to be pondered, celebrated, and shared, leading believers into deeper awe and steadfast trust. |