“if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (v2-3,6-8)
This is a song of remembrance and praise to God for delivering Israel from their enemies. David wrote and repeated psalms like these to help himself and others remember the great things God had done for them.
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes find it difficult to praise God in the midst of less-than-ideal circumstances. It’s usually much easier to praise Him after the fact, or in better circumstances.
I would encourage each of us to write down our own personal psalm of remembrance and praise. It doesn’t have to be long or eloquent (this one is only a handful of verses). Post it on your bathroom mirror, or computer monitor, or maybe even a private place only you will see (eg. inside your Bible cover or desk drawer).
When we are struggling to praise God because of circumstances, we can read that psalm and remember how God helped us through another difficult time, and that He will walk with us through this trial as well.
Father God, all honor and praise be to You, creator of heaven and earth who delivers us from the fowler’s snare. The evil one has tried to vanquish us many times, yet You are steadfast and in Your loving kindness You deliver us from his hands. Father please be our front and rear guard, protecting our souls from destruction, so we may be Your hands and feet to help protect others as well. Thank You for delivering us from eternal separation from You through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training