ADONAI is near to all who call on Him,
to all who call on Him in truth.  Psalm 145:18, TLV

A drop the mic moment. Yes? This is a psalm of praise written by King David. It is said that it was his last psalm. His last psalm was pure praise of ADONAI and a declaration of faith based on a life of experiences — good and bad.

What will our “last praise” sound like? Gratitude? Regret? Hope? Hopelessness? Joy? Sorrow? Freedom? Guilt? King David experienced all these emotions, but he chose to end his writings with praise and wonder.

I will meditate on the glorious splendor
of Your majesty and Your wonders. (vs. 5, TLV)

And there is the key: David chose to meditate on GOD’s glorious splendor, majesty, and wonders.

Yes, we may have experienced a generous portion of the best and worst of what life has to offer, but our Heavenly Father never changes. Because He was near us in all circumstances — whether we “felt” Him or not — we can choose to meditate on the regret, lost opportunities, sorrow, guilt, or hopelessness, or meditate on Him.

I don’t know about you, but once I take my eyes off my own disappointments and focus on His awesomeness, little by little I am reminded of His wonders in my own life.

This is a special psalm to me as Kol Simcha (Sound of Joy) had a beautiful song on their Sing a New Song album based on it. Kol Simcha was comprised of special friends, including Rabbi Joe, their director. Rabbi Joe officiated my husband’s and mine vow renewal in 1999.

I’ve included it in this Daily Word (it begins at 30:09) below.

Somehow, I think King David would be pleased with this version.

Shabbat shalom!