In today’s verse, David had a problem. His problem was that God had done so many things for him, that it was impossible to tell them all. He believed that the Lord was so worthy of praise that he couldn’t praise Him enough.
What a great problem to have! I know for myself, I find it easier to complain than to praise. When we go through difficult times, it is hard to praise.
So how does David stir this passion to praise God so much?
First, he looks in the past at what God has done for him (v1-3). Look over your life and see what He has done.
Second, he realises how great God’s salvation is (v2). The “pit of destruction” is a picture of death. We have been saved from death, from hell, from sin. Jesus went into the “pit of destruction” for us and died our death for us, and defeated death and rose again. That is a reason to shout out our praise.
Third, he trusts the Lord (v4). He believes that God hand is at work even when things are hard. He praises the Lord because He is trustworthy.
Fourth, he looks for the things that God has done (v5) – “Many, O Lord my God are the wonders You have done” (NIV). Do we see God’s goodness in everything – in the food we eat, the air we breath, the beauty of creation, each tree, each flower, each blade of grass? Do we see His hand in the fact the sun has risen again today? Do we see His provision in our families, our friends, our homes, our clothes? Do we see His love in the way He blesses us through other people?
Fifth, he is amazed at how God loves him (v5)- “your thoughts towards us”. Even though we are sinners, the Lord delights in us! Glory to God!
Sixth, he is amazed at who God is (v5) – “None can compare with you.” Let’s think about who He is: let’s think about His great power and holiness and justice and love and mercy and kindness and faithfulness.
Seventh, he chooses to declare God’s praise (v5) – “I will proclaim and tell of them.” The first step to praise is to open our mouths, even when we don’t feel like it.
“10,000 reasons” is a great song, and I’ve attached it to this devotional, but it doesn’t go far enough. 10 million reasons? 10 billion reasons? 10 trillion reasons? Yes, and more. That is why we will have eternity to praise Him, because He is so great that we will need forever to give Him thanks.
The best is yet to come 