The choices we should make - Devotion from Psalm 9

Psalm 9:1-2

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;

I will tell of all your wonders.

I will be glad and rejoice in you;

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

We make decisions throughout our lives. Some are very important ones, while others, less significant. Here in this Psalm we see a continuous refrain of “I will” which tells me that there were choices that David decides to take no matter what. We see that David chooses to make certain decisions: Praise God with all his heart; Tell God’s wonders in his life; Be glad and rejoice in God; and sing to God’s Holy name.

Praise God with all your heart

Our days on this earth are filled with multiple priorities, worries and situations which leaves little room in our hearts to focus on God. In this psalm we read that David too had all of the above and was in danger (verse 13), yet he chose to praise God. Notice that, it is said to praise God with all of one’s heart – not partially but completely. We need to choose to praise God with all of our heart because the cares of this world would easily entangle us and we may lose our sense of the spiritual realm while we pray to the Father in heaven. And so, when you pray to God, pray with all your heart - - let nothing else fill your heart. Focus only on Him who is in Spirit.

Tell God’s wonder in your life

Never before did mankind have so many tools to share personal information - - and that too beyond borders. We share various types’ of information within seconds (via Facebook, Twitter and other emails services) with our friends and network. We live in shrinking world filled with large amount of knowledge that is shared constantly. Have you ever wondered how much we’ve used these new tools to share God’s wonders in our lives? David, in this psalm, wills to tell of all God’s wonders in his life. What a great way to express our gratitude to the King of Kings!

Be Glad and rejoice in God

Our lives are constantly filled with troubles, trials and struggles. We do not have control over the problems we face everyday, but we have the tremendous ability to perceive and act joyfully despite the situation. This is not a reaction but our general attitude and that’s the secret of being glad and rejoicing in the Lord. What we in essence proclaim is that no matter what happens to us, we know that our God is sovereign and He orchestrates every tiny move in our lives and that He works for the good of all those who love Him. The parable of the man who built his house on the rock comes to my mind here. Christ ends the parable by saying that “the flood waters came, but the house stood firm as it was built on the rock”. If our character is built on strong Christ-centered values, our attitude will be one that of joy and gladness.

Sing to God’s Holy name

Finally, singing! Singing is a wonderful experience as it unites our thoughts and makes us focus. There is so much power in music which when used to praise God’s holy name, only makes the experience complete. Quite honestly, songs in praise of the Holy God consummates the experience of Worship. We are His chosen instruments who need to sing His awesome holy name.

These verses had a wonderful impact on me and I hope it will touch anyone who reads it.

Have a wonderful day and may God’s amazing grace be with you all!

- John