In the Promised Land God expected the Israelites to teach their children what they had learned and seen in their wilderness wanderings. In fact he commanded them to do so (see Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19). After Joshua and the people who experienced God's miraculous hand during those forty years died, another generation rose up "...who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10, ESV). Oops. Someone forgot what God had commanded.
By King David's time the responsibility had broadened beyond the household. David prayed, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come" (Psalm 71:18, ESV), my passion verse in case you were interested. God impressed on King David the virtue of preserving their national identity and covenant relationship with God. So, telling the next generation was central to the promises made to the King and those who would follow him.
Psalm 145 is a recitation of God's character. David extols his gracious mercy, his faithfulness, his righteousness, and the glory of his works and his ways. They are a reminder of God's work in Israel through their epoch and provide reasons to trust him regardless of their life situation.
Reading Psalm 145 is an act of worship.
But, there are two reminders about our responsibility to tell the generations to come about our God. Verse 4 and verse 11-12 are central to this theme. They are central to the theme of the Psalm.
So, on the Lord's Day, read Psalm 145 in preparation for worship. Let verses 4, 11-12 settle over you. Then, tell your children and grandchildren, and the neighbor children, nieces and nephews, about the Lord's faithfulness in your life.
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145, ESV