READ Psalm 144:9–15. 9 I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, 10 to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David. 11 From the deadly sword deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. 12 Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. 13 Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; 14 our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. 15 Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
THANKSGIVING. This hymn marks David’s deliverance from King Saul and perhaps his enthronement. It also shows how to respond when God gives a major answer to prayer: with thanksgiving. A thankful spirit combines humility (because you see God’s answer was a sheer gift) with confidence (because you know a loving God always hears prayer). We see this unique humble boldness now pervading David’s mind and heart. David’s first response to God’s answer was to ask amazed how God could even notice us (see verses 3–4). But his joy does not turn to complacency; he prays fervently for a prosperous (verses 12–13) and just (verse 14) society. But his plea does not turn into anxiety. There is great exuberance throughout the psalm. Such is the rich, textured character of a life marked by grateful joy.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that there are an infinite number of things to thank you for, if I reflect for even a moment! Now help me to take that time and to give you thanks for your many gifts I take for granted. Then let thankfulness begin to transform all my attitudes, toward you, myself, others, and life. Amen.