Day 18: Psalms of Praise & Thanksgiving

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7 NKJV)

How often do we rush into God’s presence with an attitude of “Help, Lord, I need this ASAP!”  

The Psalmist praised before presenting his need.  

While yes, there are times for SOS prayers, our daily rhythm should be one of praise: “Even though my heart is troubled, I’m centered on You and Your truth” (my paraphrase).

David was admittedly in trouble.  His season was a time of unrest.

Yet he reminded Himself, repeating back to God, the Lord’s truth and faithfulness, saying, “You will revive me.”  David believed it, he prayed it, and he received it.

Praying God’s Word back to Him is a powerful practice.  When we don’t know how to praise, we can look to the Psalms.  

When we don’t know how to pray, we can pray promises:

I will be with you.

I will never leave you.

Fear not, for I am with You.

I go behind and before you.

I am your Shepherd.

I lead you in paths of righteousness.  

I will direct your paths if you acknowledge me in all your ways.

“Your right hand will save me,” David prayed. He knew Scripture, and He knew the Author.

He didn’t know for sure how God would save him from the enemy.  The truth is, he knew the choice was God’s - whether to rescue from earthly harm, or take him home to glory. Either way, David would be saved.

We don’t know the outcome.  But we do know the Savior. We know His promises.  

And we can rest in praising Him.

Ruthie​