Psalm 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
In times when so many people are hurting, and the future is so uncertain, we cling to the Psalmist's testimony that God has been present with all the generations who have come before, and with all who will come after--that whatever we face today, and whatever lies ahead, "one generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4), because God is faithful.
An Easter hymn written in 2020 for this generation reminds us that God's love in Christ is not defeated by fear, division, or even death. Take a moment today to listen.
"Christ Still Rises"
Music by Ben Brody, text by David Bjorlin. © 2020, GIA Publications, Inc.
Christ still rises when fear grips our city,
when death takes no pity,
when much is unknown.
Christ still rises when friends are divided,
when joy feels misguided,
when we are alone.
Christ still rises when churches are shuttered,
when praises are muttered,
when prayers go unsaid.
Christ still rises when peace has all faded,
when we are most jaded,
when faith turns to dread,
when faith turns to dread.
Christ still rises when we give to neighbors,
when we share our labors,
when strangers belong.
Christ still rises when we come together,
when love is our tether,
when hope is our song.
Christ still rises when grieving is ended,
when bodies are mended,
when beauty heals pain.
Christ still rises when fear has retreated,
when death is defeated and joy will remain,
and joy will remain.
Psalm 145
1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,
12 to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
14 The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.