Bible Study:
Thanksgiving for What God Has Done
“I will thank thee forever because thou hast done it.” (Psalm 52:9).
Read: Psalm 52: 1 Samuel 20-22; Luke 17: 14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 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 was gaining popularity with the masses of the people. Saul could feel his throne tottering under him and in an insanely 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 1 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, literally, have the ‘last laugh’ (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 Psalm gives thanks to God who has done and who will do great things.
How Does It Apply To Us?
We are not fleeing from an angry, jealous king, but we have enemies that are intent upon 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, 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 that 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 the 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 which is like a stream growing into a river which flows to the sea. It can only keep on going in ever fuller measure until it becomes one with the unshadowed bliss of Heaven. “I will praise You forever.” This is the theme of my heart – a heart filled with hope and redeemed from sin. I shall sing a song of gladness and eternal victory. Never again the dismal sob of a dejected spirit.
“I will praise You forever because you have done it.” I look back upon the Cross, that great standard raised against the flood. I no longer need 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 in my hand the ashes of undisciplined passion.
All these, like the thundering surf, break helplessly against the Rock of Ages. In Christ, I am beyond 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 and no fear of yesterday’s evil will restrain the joy of my thanksgiving. Today, tomorrow, and forever, I will praise Him who once died,
- The Just for the unjust,
- The Innocent for the guilty
- The Creator for the Creature.
- The Master for the servant,
- The Free for the condemned.
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.
Move 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, to stand firm and to 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 and tomorrow and forever.
Used with permission.
From the book:
First Light: Morning Conversations with God.