Thanksgiving for What God Has Done
I will thank thee forever because thou hast done it. (Psalm 52:9)
Psalm 52; I Sam. 20-22; Luke 17:14-16; I Cor. 15:57; II Cor. 9:15
What Is God Saying?
The historical basis for this Psalm deals with Saul's enraged pursuit of David. Young David was forced to flee for his life and find protection by hiding in the Cave of Adullam. Without asking for it, David gained popularity with the masses. Saul could feel his throne tottering under him, and in a jealous rage, he dispatched his minions to stop this young upstart. Their acts of treachery and murder were heinous and uninhibited. Many lives were lost, and David was deeply pained. Read the whole story in I Samuel, chapters 20-22.
The Psalm, therefore, denounces the wicked who love evil more than good and declares the sure and ultimate blessedness of those who make God their refuge. The wicked boast of their clever devices and powerful treachery, but the righteous will triumph (vs. 6). The wicked will be uprooted from the land of the living. The godly will be like an olive tree, fruitful and abundant because they trust in the steadfast love of God (vs. 8). The Psalmist gives thanks to God, who has done and will do great things.
How Does This Apply To Us?
We are not fleeing from an angry, jealous king, but we have enemies who are intent on getting us and getting us down. There are forces that keep assaulting us from a world that is at enmity with God; thoughts and desires that have not been crucified with Christ as we live in a permissive atmosphere with disregard for moral standards; financial problems, family worries, failing health, and job insecurity. There are enemies, but we have God. He cares, He sends miracles, He is the God of the impossible, and He will never forsake His own. Let our prayer rise on a tide of thankfulness to Almighty God for all He has done. Concentrate on Him who, through His great love, redeemed us, freed us from yesterday's mistakes, strengthened us for today's needs, and gave us hope of glory in eternal life. ‘I will thank thee forever because thou hast done it.’
Pray With Me
God of all grace and truth, my heart is filled with the joy of thanksgiving, like a stream growing into a river that flows to the sea. It can only keep going in ever fuller measure until it becomes one with Heaven. ‘I will praise You forever’ is the theme of my heart, filled with hope and redeemed from sin. I shall sing a song of gladness and eternal victory.
‘I will praise You forever because You have done it.’ I look back upon the Cross, that standard raised against the flood. I no longer need to fear the flood.
• I will not fear the accusations of a guilty conscience.
• I will not dread the memory of wasted years.
• I will not dwell on the debris of broken promises.
• I will not hold the ashes of an undisciplined past in my hand.
Like the thundering surf, all these break helplessly against the Rock of Ages. In Christ, I am beyond the reach of sin's destructive force. ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’
No thought of yesterday's failure or fear of yesterday's evil will restrain the joy of my thanksgiving. Today, tomorrow, and forever, I will praise Him who once died. You have done it, Lord. Forever, I will live. Forever, I will be thankful. Forever, I will live for You.
To the praise of Him who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
Moving On in the Life of Prayer
Base your confidence in prayer on the fact that God does things. It is not biblical to say, ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ It is biblical to ‘fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord.’ It is biblical to ‘believe that the Lord will fight for you. You have only to be still (Exodus 14:13-14).
Be thankful for that in your prayer today, tomorrow, and forever.
