Day 88
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| We Give You Praise and Thanks! |
Weekly Devotional
March 28—
Psalm 29-30: Song of Praise and Testimony Thanks
Reflection
Saul and Jonathan have died, and David has assumed the throne of Israel. But his acceptance by the people comes slowly and with difficulty. When opposition is removed, however, the unified nation begins to blossom under God's blessing. But David's walk with God is tripped up when he yields to sin and seeks to cover it up. Though God forgives David after Nathan confronts him, the consequences will haunt him for years.
David had much to be thankful for, and yet he nearly lost it all. Let's take the time to build our relationship with God on a firm foundation, as we learn from Psalms 29 and 30 how to praise and thank the Lord.
David had much to be thankful for, and yet he nearly lost it all. Let's take the time to build our relationship with God on a firm foundation, as we learn from Psalms 29 and 30 how to praise and thank the Lord.
Praise and Thanks
"Praise" and "thanks." Are they synonymous or is there a difference between them.
Psalms 29 and 30 provide a helpful illustration of the difference. Psalm 29, a song of praise, focuses on God's glory as revealed in an earth-shaking thunderstorm. Psalm 30, a testimony of thanksgiving, centers around David's experience of divine deliverance and his resulting gratitude to God. Psalm 29 illustrates praise, which is god-centered, focusing on God's glory as revealed in His mighty attributes and works. Psalm 30 illustrates thanksgiving, which is more human-centered, highlighting the believer's gratitude for God's involvement in his life.
Understanding the difference between the two can add a new dimension to your prayer life! It's easy to develop the habit of "me-centered" prayers in which your problems are central. And though petition is an important part of prayer (Matthew 7:7-8), it is not the only part. As you take time to pray today, begin instead with praise for God's glory and character ("you-centered" prayer). Make it a pattern in your praying that before you get caught up in your own concerns, you get caught up in God's greatness. Then you, like the psalmist, will be both praising and thanking the Lord!
Psalms 29 and 30 provide a helpful illustration of the difference. Psalm 29, a song of praise, focuses on God's glory as revealed in an earth-shaking thunderstorm. Psalm 30, a testimony of thanksgiving, centers around David's experience of divine deliverance and his resulting gratitude to God. Psalm 29 illustrates praise, which is god-centered, focusing on God's glory as revealed in His mighty attributes and works. Psalm 30 illustrates thanksgiving, which is more human-centered, highlighting the believer's gratitude for God's involvement in his life.
Understanding the difference between the two can add a new dimension to your prayer life! It's easy to develop the habit of "me-centered" prayers in which your problems are central. And though petition is an important part of prayer (Matthew 7:7-8), it is not the only part. As you take time to pray today, begin instead with praise for God's glory and character ("you-centered" prayer). Make it a pattern in your praying that before you get caught up in your own concerns, you get caught up in God's greatness. Then you, like the psalmist, will be both praising and thanking the Lord!
Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven we glorify your holy name and praise you on high! We want to give ourselves to you completely in prayer so that our life can produce the largest fruit for your glory! Touch us with your spirit, God, so that others may see more of Jesus in us. In Jesus name we pray, amen!
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| Glorify God on High! |
