Frequently we thank God for blessings already received: our families and friends, the beauty of creation, material possessions, and circumstances which have turned out well. Today in particular we joyfully celebrate God’s benevolence.
But in Psalm 7:17, David demonstrates a different kind of thanksgiving prayer. He determines to praise God in spite of facing false accusations, slander, and injustice.
David says, “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the Lord Most High” (Psalm 7:17).
How can David be so positive in such dire circumstances? You’ll find the answer in the middle of the verse: “Because of his righteousness.”
And what does God’s righteousness include?
- He abounds in love to all who call upon him (Psalm 86:5b).
- He answers even before we call (Isaiah 65:24).
- He’s an involved God–not one who watches from afar with impersonal detachment (Isaiah 41:10).
- He’s always working to bring his plans to fulfillment (Psalm 33:4).
- He brings good out of evil (Genesis 50:20), and victory out of defeat (1 Corinthians 15:57).
And that’s just a start. In fact, the righteousness of our God is infinite, so such a list would never near completion.
To sum it up, we can be filled with thanksgiving and praise because our God acts and reacts rightly all the time. Every time. To every prayer. Even the prayers to which he has responded…
…“Not now, dear one.”
Or…
…“No, my child. For reasons beyond your understanding, I cannot grant that request.”
But what then? How do we survive the pain? The loneliness? The unfairness of it all?
We cling to his righteousness.
Heavenly Father, even though there are many prayers for which I am awaiting answers, I thank you, Lord, for your righteousness. Even though you have said, “No, that’s not part of my plan,” I thank You, Lord, for your righteousness. You are righteous in all your ways, and loving toward all you have made. You are near to all who call upon you. My mouth will speak in praise of You (Psalm 145:17-18a, 21a).
What aspect of God’s righteousness is ministering to you right now? Leave a comment and tell us about it.
(Photo credit: www.religionblog.dallasnews.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, the Lord brought your blog into my life at just the exact right moment. This new phase of my life…retirement…is wonderful, yet challenging. The way you discern a verse, looking at it from different angles…is a true gift from God. One which I need at this particular time of my life. I believe the Lord even directs me to the blog at the perfect minute. I looked up each of the verses above and Isaiah 41:10 particularly spoke to the fearful part of me. He will strengthen me and help me and is helping me.
I am honored and thrilled that my blogging efforts have blessed you. Your kind comments in return bless me! Thank you for being a loyal follower–already!
I also looked up Isaiah 65:24. What a blessing to have a God that knows our needs before we even verbalize them. His Spirit speaks to mine. After reading an email from a childhood friend (who is wise in the Lord the way you are) and reading your blog from November 19…I felt a lightness as if a burden had lifted from my shoulders…I had not felt that exact way before… I pray that this happens more frequently and is longer lasting. I know I will beseech Him relentlessly for this blessing. Please keep me in your prayers as I know you are.
The Holy Spirit speaking to our spirits. Peace that surpasses explanation. Those two blessings alone are HUGE, aren’t they? I do pray God carries you above the fray, in a cloud of joy and contentment!
Hello Nancy, I am so glad to see that your passion for His Word has finally come to reality. I have delighted my self in your passages of your blog. I am not working today so I truly get to relax and take in all of his precious gift He has for me. In my devotional today it reminds me that I must give thanks in “all” circumstances, and that I live in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle. So, as I walk through my day I must focus on His light and not the darkness. I will choose to “rejoice” for He has made this day for me!
Blessings and sorrows DO intermingle, don’t they. I want to join you in focusing on all that is God’s light. Then I’ll make right choices and experience His joy and peace. Remind me, Ana, of this desire when the darkness begins to close in!
One word stands out in my mind after reading this, PEACE! God is in control NO MATTER what is happening around me. I have peace though Jesus!
What would we do without the deep, sweet peace of our Heavenly Father?! I can’t imagine trying to live in this world without it. I know you feel the same!