No One Else Above You

David engages in wholehearted praise, not restricted to private devotions or even to “church” (assemblies of God’s people). He is happy to engage in public expressions of thanks to God before the powers (e.g., “gods,” 1, probably indicates spiritual beings). He does so without embarrassment. God is part of public discourse, someone whom worldly authorities should join in praising (4). A prominent politician once said, “We don’t do God.” David would not comprehend such a denial.

David praises out of experience as well as knowledge. He knows that the Lord is “holy” and dwells in a “temple” (2)–stressing his uniqueness and his distance. He knows that God’s name is supreme (Isa. 42:8) and that his Word carries final authority and creative power (2b,4). He has validated this in his personal encounter with the Lord. God has answered his prayers and protected and preserved him (3,7). In his head, he knows his people’s history, telling of God’s love and faithfulness (2). He has proved this true himself (3). We know from elsewhere that God’s love to him, as one of the “lowly” (6), was a cause for genuine amazement (2 Sam. 7:18-29). That childlike wonder at God’s love and blessing must never diminish.

Being a believer carries with it trust in the character of God alongside an ongoing commitment of faith. David finishes the psalm by asserting God’s unfailing love, while immediately calling for him not to abandon his work (8). These are not contradictory. The prayer of faith only makes sense because of the God whose love endures. God looks for our ongoing, open-hearted trust.

What factors, within and without, encourage you to praise God? Why is humility a prerequisite for asking God to grant a request (6)? How do humility and weakness differ?