February 27
I will give thanks to you, Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
In this verse, David is giving a declaration of complete and jubilant praise to God. There are four statements in this verse. In the first statement, David is giving thanks to the Lord. It is a direct address to Yahweh acknowledging and praising Him for victory, protection, provision, and deliverance. David recognizes all he has and all he needs comes from God. When David states “with all my heart,” he is expressing his thanks which is not ritualistic or half-hearted. David understands it's an “all-in” devotion and commitment to God. It is sincere and genuine. His praise - his thanksgiving - involves his whole being. He is giving thanks with all of his heart.
“I will tell of all” means David is not keeping silent about his praise. It isn’t a private matter for David. God has done so much in his life. David understands the power of God’s forgiveness and healing. David has witnessed God’s blessing and goodness that has covered his entire life. David does not want to keep this quiet. He wants others to know about his God - who He is and what He has done. David intends to be a witness to others. “Your wonderful deeds” is the fourth statement in this verse. The Hebrew word used here (pala) signifies something that is marvelous or miraculous - beyond human capability. David is reflecting on all that God has done in his life, and he is using that as a basis for his current worship - giving praise to the Lord with all his heart.
Giving thanks to the Lord with all my heart. Do I take time each day to give Him thanks with all my heart? Do I praise Him for all the victories, His protection, provision, and deliverance? Am I telling others about God’s goodness and blessings in my life? When I think about all of God’s wonderful deeds, does it move me to a declaration of complete and jubilant praise? A heart grateful for all the wonderful deeds God has done is a heart that praises Him. A heart that seeks God will find Him and give Him thanks for who He is and what He has done. A heart that desires a relationship with God is a heart that surrenders to Him and trusts Him. Is this your heart?
Father - Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Your deeds are mighty and great. My life is a testimony to that. Yet, I am so quick to forget this and focus on all that is wrong. I quickly forget Your provision and protection and grumble about what I think is lacking. Forgive me. I surrender my heart to You. Fill it with praises for You. Fill it with gratitude for who You are and what You have done. Change my heart. Make it be more Christ-like in loving You and loving others. You alone are worthy of my praise. In Your name, we pray. Amen