The last several Psalms are just full of praises. Each time I read through them I develop a new list of reasons to praise God. My chapter for today reminds me of the blessings that can come when I take time every day to focus on my Creator.

If you have trouble keeping a clear and fresh enough connection with God, as I do at times, then check out the list of reasons and ways to praise Him every day.

Reasons to praise God (in Psalm 145):

1.    Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.

2.    The Lord is gracious and compassionate.

3.    He is slow to anger.

4.    He is rich in love.

5.    He is good to all.

6.    He has compassion on all He has made.

7.    He is faithful to all His promises.

8.    He is loving toward all He has made.

9.    He upholds all those who fall.

10.  He lifts up all who are bowed down.

11.  He opens His hand and satisfies the desires of every living thing.

12.  He is righteous in all His ways.

13.  He is near all who call on Him.

14.  He fulfills the desires of those who reverence Him.

15.  He hears our cry and saves us.

16.  He watches over all who love Him.

Ways to praise God (in Psalm 145):

1.    I will exalt you.

2.    I will praise your name forever.

3.    I will tell of your mighty acts.

4.    I will tell of the splendor of your majesty.

5.    I will meditate on your wonderful works.

6.    I will proclaim your great deeds.

7.    I will celebrate your abundant goodness.

8.    I will joyfully sing of your righteousness.

If the list I found seems daunting, imagine what might happen if I spent time this morning with just one of the reasons and one of the ways. What if I just thought about the goodness and greatness of God this morning and sang joyfully in my heart to Him? What if tomorrow I thought about His loving care and I "proclaimed," or told others, of the ways He has watched over me? Think how creative we could be if we just limited ourselves to Psalm 145 and picked one method and one reason to praise God every day. The possibilities are endless. I think I'll get started!     

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. "God is Faithful" is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.