Psalm 54:6-7 (KJV)
I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
David wrote this Psalm when the Ziphites deliberately told Saul where he was hiding after tricking him into an untenable spot. King Saul sought to kill David again and again, but for God’s intervention, David survived, for God continually delivered him from the hands of king Saul. David had faith in the Lord during this time, and neither did he complain against God because of his circumstances. Despite the immediate danger, David expresses his unwavering confidence in God’s support. He knows that God is his helper and sustainer, and this assurance is not based on the absence of trouble but on the presence of God in the midst of it. In the midst of the betrayal from the Ziphites and king Saul seeking his life, he declares his intention to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to God because he has experienced God’s deliverance firsthand. Thanksgiving to God is a decisive spiritual action with proven impact and effect. David took advantage of this spiritual tool by thanking God for delivering Him from the hands of his enemies. By the authority of God’s Name, Character, and Honor, He delivered David, demonstrating the goodness of His Name and showcasing His might in rescuing him from trouble. Psalm 107:22 says, “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” When we offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to God, we are giving Him what He cannot provide for Himself, and this compels Him to act on our behalf in ways we cannot accomplish alone. Our gratitude pleases God, and when we please Him, we open the door for His blessings in our lives.
Giving praise to God when going through unfavorable and sad events or experiences may not be easy. It is painless to praise and thank God when everything is going well, but when we praise and glorify Him in the thick of a troubling situation, in such circumstances, thanking God becomes a sacrifice. Offering thanksgiving to God at a time when every situation in our lives is saying that He doesn’t deserve it or He has forsaken us is sacrificial. The essence of praise is recognizing the inherent goodness of God. Even when circumstances are challenging, remembering God’s goodness helps to shift our focus from problems to the Provider. No matter the situation, be it advancing troops, betrayal, or any other obstacle we experience, there is a way to summon help. Although he was afflicted, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:14, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” For those with a heart of thanksgiving to God, when things are working, they thank Him. When things are not going in the direction they envisaged, they still thank God, knowing well that the faithfulness of God will never allow them to suffer loss. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” When we are thankful, our focus moves off selfish desires and the pain of current circumstances. The people of God are grateful, for they realize how much God has given.
Beloved, give thanks, and praise God in that unpleasant situation. Thank Him for delivering you out of all your trouble. Cultivate the lifestyle of thanksgiving. Your worship and gratitude should come from the heart, not out of obligation. Trust in God, give thanks, and you will see His salvation. Learn to count your blessings regardless of what you are going through right now. Even if you have no legs or cannot hear or even if you are blind or have no food, finances are low, and you seem to be in the midst of an endless battle, still, lift your hands in thanksgiving for the gift of life. If you cannot notice what God has done for your life, you will never see what He will do. Today, look up and appreciate God for what you have and where you are! If God is all you need, stop complaining and always find a reason to thank Him. Although, there is no reason to do so. As long as there is life, there is always hope. Therefore, it does not matter what your situation is, for if the devil has not succeeded in taking your life, then what you are trusting God for is still possible. Remember, no matter the situation and how failure seems very imminent, the intervention of God can change every circumstance.
O Lord, thank You for all things. I receive the grace to live a life of thanksgiving in Jesus’ Name.