Joel M Bradshaw

Let’s take these line by line from Psalm 9:1-2. I used bold type for the verses.

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart

I need to respond to my situations with thanksgiving. Gratefulness is one of the best motivating attitudes. My whole inner person needs to be involved in this. This gratefulness influences my marriage, my parenting, my prayers, my work life, and my home life.

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

I need to tell myself how faithful God is and has always been. I will share with others of God’s goodness as He led me through my life. Bible verses that have blessed me challenged me, and changed me will not just be hidden in my heart, but ready on my lips.

I will be glad and exult in you

Gladness means I am satisfied with God, His timing, and how He has led me. He is enough and how He has provided is enough. God is the one I exult or lift up with supreme devotion, allegiance, and praise. He should have no rival or equal in my heart or life.

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

I must be ready at all times to praise God. He is higher than my feelings or worries. He is elevated about my depression and shame. He rises above my fears and struggles. His opinion matters most. I invite you to stock your quiver with these arrows and regularly fire them at your thoughts to change how you think during the day.

For those who love to sing, I’ve included a link to the song that always comes to mind when I read this psalm. I have memories of playing my drum set as part of a church praise team in the early days of my youth ministry. We really jammed out on the chorus and it built mightily.–JMB