“I WILL SING PRAISE TO YOUR NAME, O MOST HIGH”

by Pastor Mitch
September 23, 2012

Cultivating a spirit of praise takes effort. I have been dwelling on the text of Psalm 7 and Psalm 9 and it can be noticed how they both have the similar idea of praising the name of the Lord Most High (please do take time to read the two psalms). And as we compare them, the strength of praise being offered is different one from the other.

“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” 
Psalm 7:17

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” 
Psalm 9:1-2

“Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion!
Declare His deeds among the people.” 
Psalm 9:11

“That I may tell of all Your praise” 
Psalm 9:14

Throughout the text of Psalm 7, only one statement is dedicated to the idea of praising the Lord with reference to His righteousness and singing praise to His name. In the text of Psalm 9, there is stronger effort put in to give praise to the Lord’s name. There was the emphasis on the exercise of his personal will to give praise to the Lord with his whole heart, with dwelling on His wondrous works and with gladness of heart. David also exhorted others to give praise to the Lord and was most purposeful in speaking of His praises. What was it that brought about this difference?

1. The Focus Of Psalm 7 – God As A Just Judge With Reference To David Himself And The Wicked

The psalmist in the text of Psalm 7 was praying about trusting in the Lord as he faced people who persecuted him. He was praying for God to judge him with regards to his righteousness and integrity (Psalm 7:8) and to bring judgment on the wicked. They would fall into their own ditch that they had made for others (Psalm 7:15). David’s personal element was stronger in Psalm 7.

2. The Focus Of Psalm 9 – God As A Righteous Judge For The Whole World

David in the text of Psalm 9 went beyond just himself as he saw the Lord as the righteous Judge of the world. He saw how the Lord had maintained his right and cause as He sat on His throne judging in righteousness. He was now able to praise God as One who will endure forever and He will judge the world in the future millennial kingdom (Psalm 9:7-8). The nations will sink down in the pit that they have made (Psalm 9:15). David also recognised how God will not forsake the poor and needy and He will be a refuge for them (Psalm 9:9-10). He was able to see beyond himself. The psalmist was determined to give even more praise to the Lord.

Cultivating A Spirit Of Praise To God

How can we cultivate this spirit of praise to God? Firstly, it begins with having a greater personal knowledge of God as a Just Judge. The Lord will rebuke the nations Himself. He will prepare His throne for future judgment, not just for individuals but for the whole world (Psalm 9:8). Secondly, there must be a greater appreciation of God in reaching the poor, needy and humble. We can find a greater sense of joy in the Lord as we appreciate Him as the refuge and object of trust for the oppressed. Joy comes when we have experienced God being there for us and for others in need. Thirdly, there must be greater determination to give praise to God. When we stand in awe of who the Lord is and what He has done and will do as Judge, let’s find greater personal determination and commitment to give praise to the Lord. Young people, let’s seek to cultivate a spirit of praise … a personal commitment to rejoice and to give praise that is due to Him.

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