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 