In Psalm 9, David declares his intent to “give thanks to the Lord with [his] whole heart” (9:1). God absolutely deserves all the praise and thanksgiving man can muster. His decision to create is enough to stir our hearts in appreciation. However, David continues to give reasons for this thankfulness, saying, “I will recount all of [his] wonderful deeds” (9:1).
God thwarted David’s enemies (9:3-6).
His personal enemies stumbled in their efforts to accuse, abuse, and dethrone David, including his own son, Absalom. He was also thankful the nation’s enemies perished and were “blotted out.” In fact, “the very memory of them [had] perished” (9:6).
Next, David is thankful for God’s justice and fairness (9:7-8), attributes of God’s intrinsic righteousness. In a world filled with partisanship, division, and prejudice, God’s fairness and equity are a breath of fresh air.
David also thanked God for his refuge (9:9-12).
God offers solace and protection to those who trust in him. He avenges the blood of the righteous and is attentive to the afflicted. The world exists in conflict, and many people fear what lies ahead, but God still offers refuge for his people.
The king sings the praises of God’s grace (9:13-18). God delivered David from his enemies and caught them in their own nets. Because of God’s salvation, the poor have hope and the needy will not be forgotten.
God’s power displayed in the world (9:19-20).
David concludes with a petition for God’s continued power to be displayed in the world, “Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!” (9:19-20). David asks for God’s complete victory against those who lift themselves against God or put themselves in the place of God. Defeat them. Judge them. Terrify them. Remind them they are only men.
God still works in our world, and our hearts need to turn to him in thanksgiving. What will you thank God for today?
Preaching Minister