November 22:
I will give you thanks, for you answered me, and have
become my deliverer. – Psalm118:21
Many Old Testament stories relate to God’s deliverance. In
the case of David, the probable author of this psalm, many
of those stories of deliverance involve doing battle. The
same is true in this psalm.
We see a picture of the psalmist being surrounded by his
enemy, comparing their number to a swarm of bees. He was under
aggressive attack from every side (vv. 10-13). During what
seems like a hopeless situation, the he calls on the name of
the Lord, asking for strength and victory. The Lord hears
and delivers.
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt
surrounded by the enemy, under relentless attack, to the
point of hopelessness? Have you ever been in a situation
that seemed without a solution, only to have cried out to
God and seen him deliver?
The psalmist recognizes, as we must, that when deliverance
comes we cannot allow the opportunity to give thanks,
praise and glory to God to pass. It is an opportunity to
encourage the faith of others. It is an opportunity to teach
our children. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves on
whom we depend. It is an opportunity to celebrate God’s
faithfulness.
The psalmist declares in verse 17, “I will not die, but live,
and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.” That should
be our commitment. Declare. Remind. Teach. Testify.
Then, declare His thanks and praise, again!
Give Thanks!