Psalm 9: I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked. 2 God Most High, I will rejoice; I will celebrate and sing because of you. 3 When my enemies face you, they run away and stumble and are destroyed.[1]
We can’t be sure David wrote Psalm 9 right after his victory over Goliath, but scholars suggest this, and the verses certainly fit the time. David had seen this battle as the Lord’s and would have rejoiced by writing this song and praising God.
In the first part of Psalm 9, David is praising God for the victory. He sees God as his rescuer and judge bringing justice. It is God who can be depended on to bring justice to the underdog. He is faithful to His promises.
Have you stopped to praise God when there is victory? I know that too often, I forget to praise God for the good things and focus on the problems that still exist. Praise leads to thanksgiving. A thankful heart is a healthy heart, even secular science says so. A Psychology Today article says:
Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits:
- Gratitude opens the door to more relationships.
- Gratitude improves physical health.
- Gratitude improves psychological health.
- Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
- Grateful people sleep better.
- Gratitude improves self-esteem.
- Gratitude increases mental strength.[2]
David may not have read the latest psychology report, but he was willing to praise God, are you?
To hear more about David and his songs, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/david-and-his-songs-the-early-years/the-lord-gives-me-the-victory
[1] Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
[2]https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude, accessed Feb. 13, 2020.