A Prayer of Praise
All that is and all that will ever be belongs to God, our Creator. He alone is worthy to be named King of kings and Lord of lords.
All that is and all that will ever be belongs to God, our Creator. He alone is worthy to be named King of kings and Lord of lords.
The greatness and majesty of the Lord is revealed to us through the perfection of His creation. That the hand of an infinite God fashioned all that we behold is a self-evident truth – which is why Scripture says that only the fool declares his unbelief in anything beyond himself.
God, as our Creator, loves us with a depth that is beyond our imagining. After all, He sent His Son to die for our sins and to redeem us so that we might live with Him for eternity. All He asks in return is our faithful obedience and praise.
David beautifully contrasts the transience of human lives with the eternal glory of God, the Alpha and the Omega. In turn, the allusion to Israel’s relationship with the Lord compares and models the believer’s redemptive bond with the Savior.
David is remembered as a man who loved God. This prayer of thanksgiving and praise represents his complete faith in the Lord as his redeemer, his provider, and his source of strength. While we may not face the same life-threatening circumstances as Israel’s greatest king, we each face difficulties and trials. Like David, the only way to lead a victorious life is to place our trust and prayers solely in the One who is completely able to save and preserve us.
In the Old Testament Deborah is the only woman who was given the title “prophet.” These words are the opening verses of this great woman’s extended song of praise for the mighty works God had performed on behalf of Israel and the victory He had granted the people over their enemies. Recognizing and glorifying God’s intervention and faithfulness are essential parts of a life dedicated to His service.
The radiance and gratitude and utterance of thanksgiving is not simply the poetry of praise, but the deep-toned words and the prose of thanks. There must be hearty thanks, which remembers the past, sees God in it, and voices that recognition in sincere thanksgiving. The hidden depths within must have utterance. The lips must speak the music of the soul. A heart enthused of God, a heart illumined by His presence, a life guided by His right hand, must have something to say for God in gratitude. Such is to recognize God in the events of past life, to exalt God for His goodness, and to honor God who has honored it. (Adapted from E.M. Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer)
If we are consumed with doubts and complaints, with fears and uncertainties, with frustrations and resentments then we will be blinded to the miracles God graciously bestows upon us and will lose the joy of His abiding care and provision.
Regardless of our skills, regardless of our lack of confidence, regardless of what other think of us, regardless of the adversity we face; when God stands with us, nothing can stand against us.
Vows to God should not be made in haste or without thought to their consequences. You may forget them but be assured that He will not.