Recounting the deeds of the Lord

   “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1

   Most of us have our favorite figures from history, men and women who shaped the world through their courage, brilliance, tenacity, and drive. Whether they were soldiers, scholars, teachers, or humanitarians they all had a combination of those four traits in common. Sometimes we like to read their biographies to keep their deeds fresh in our minds. Perhaps we even memorize a few of their quotes to encourage us throughout our days and to help us live a bit more like them.

    Doubtless David also had individuals from the past that he looked up to. It is not hard to imagine him considering the faith of men like Abraham and Moses through the difficult circumstances in their lives. It is easy to picture David contemplating their actions and striving to match their enduring faith as he descended into his various valleys of hardship.

  However, the most telling part of David’s life is that the One he contemplated more than any other was God Himself. While David certainly had the wonderful deeds of previous heroes of faith to consider, he preferred to spend the greatest energy in his recollections on the awesome activities of God. Throughout Psalm 9 David recounts several of God’s wonderful deeds. He recalls God upholding his just cause and offering righteous judgment (9:4). He recalls God rebuking wicked nations (9:5). He recounts how God has been a stronghold for the oppressed and has not forsaken those who seek Him (9:9-10). He recounts how often God has rescued him from the very gates of death (9:13). He considered how God has dealt with the nations that rejected Him (9:16-17). He remembered the Lord’s power to cause the wicked to tremble at His presence (9:19-20). Spending this time in reflection moved David to whole-hearted worship and praise (9:1). 

         It can be good to remember the works of past human beings and the things they were able to accomplish. It will always be better to remember the wonderful works of our God.