“I will thank you forever, because you have done it.” Psalm 52:9a ESV
I’m in the process of reading the Bible chronologically and I noticed something. This week I read the story of King David before he becomes King and is being persecuted by his mentor Saul. Psalm 52 is written by David after Doeg snitches on David and tells Saul where he saw David hiding. Talk about messy!
Saul in his rage goes to the place where David was hiding and kills everyone who was in the house. But get this, David was hiding at the house of Ahimelech, who was a priest and Saul killed Ahimelech and all of his relatives in the priestly line. When David heard what happened, he was distressed. He blamed himself because he was suspicious that Doeg would say something that day when David saw him. Also, David grieved over the loss of the priestly line because of him and because he was being persecuted. (1 Samuel 22, Psalm 52)
This is what was happening in David’s life when he wrote Psalm 52. In earnest, real talk David has a conversation with God (prayer) where he:
expressed his frustration (“Why do you boast of evil, o mighty man?” v.1)
called out his oppressor and what God would do to them (“You love all words that devour, o deceitful tongue, but God will break you down forever…” v. 4-5a)
stated the benefits of his relationship with God (“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.” v. 8)
ended in praise (“I will thank you forever, because you have done it.” v. 9)
Do y’all see that? David ended in praise, celebrating God and affirming it’s already done. Because. You. Have. Done. It. David is still on the run, on the side of a mountain, seeking refuge in a cave, yet he celebrates like it is already done.
What about you? Are you already thanking God for that spouse? Praising Him for your house like you’ve already closed? Giving glory for that reconciled relationship despite what things look like now? Raising the roof for your healing or that of a loved one whether physical, spiritual, or emotional? Celebrating God because…(fill in your blank)?
One lesson we can learn from David here is that we don’t have to wait until it’s done to thank God for doing it. In fact, throughout the book of Psalms (e.g. 27, 38, 68, et al.), David’s example suggests that we need to praise Him now while we’re in the waiting because God is just that good and faithful. “I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.” (Psalm 52:9b)
Reflection
What am I waiting for God to do in my life and those around me? Have I praised Him in advance? What would it take for me to demonstrate my trust in Him and praise Him now like it’s already done? How can I praise Him now?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being worthy of my waiting and my praise. Forgive me for not praising You now for the things that You will do in my life. Keep me honest and vulnerable before you in prayer. Grant me the faith to believe that You will and the motivation to praise You now for coming through. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Ian Stauffer on Unsplash
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