Slices
Prepare
It is often easier to turn to God when we have big problems than when everything is going beautifully. What is going well in your life that you haven’t adequately thanked God for?
Bible passage
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The king rejoices in your strength, Lord.
How great is his joy in the victories you give!
2 You have granted him his heart’s desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
3 You came to greet him with rich blessings
and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him –
length of days, for ever and ever.
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendour and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
your right hand will seize your foes.
9 When you appear for battle,
you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace.
The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,
and his fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from mankind.
11 Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.
12 You will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.
13 Be exalted in your strength, Lord;
we will sing and praise your might.

Explore
David is on a well-justified high. Everywhere he looks there is evidence of God’s favour, mercy and power. He is overwhelmed by the blessings rained upon him. He is especially grateful that this is not a passing shower, but an enduring reality (vs 4,6). This is not just a moment in time. It is for ever.
He talks directly to God like a child to a parent or as friend to loving friend. There is intimacy here, not just respect and gratitude. A vibrant relationship is at the heart of all this praise and thanksgiving. He is completely confident in the character of this God who saves. That is the difference between thankfulness and triumphalism. This isn’t about David and Israel.
God’s faithfulness is without limit. There is no use-by date attached to his love for those who place their trust in him. That is why David is so confident in how history will play out. Verses 8–12 are all in the future. Justice will prevail. We know how the story ends.
Respond
‘When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,/ when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,/ count your many blessings, name them one by one,/ and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.’* Reflect on this good advice!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 24,25; Matthew 9
Pray for Scripture Union
Give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of music and the way in which it can bring people of all ages together so well! This week's prayers relate to this article.
