The author of this psalm isn't identified. But he apparently wrote it to celebrate a great victory in battle, which he compared to God's rescue of the Israelites by parting the Red Sea. He recalls the praying that preceded God's delivering actions, and reaffirms his commitment to follow through on promises made to God when his back was against the wall.

1. What disasters (vv. 11-12a) does the writer of this psalm attribute to God's initiative?
   
   
2. What positive aspects does he see (vv. 9b-10) from these hard times?
   
   
3. What outcome (v. 12b) has triggered the exuberance of this psalm?
   
   
4. To what conclusion (v. 9a) does this combination of trial and triumph drive the psalm writer?
   
   
5. What response should this realization evoke in us (v. 8)?
   
   
6. Have trials you have undergone helped you realize that life is a gift from God to be cherished, and not a right to be taken for granted?
   
   

Ask God to enable you to see His design behind your disappointments, and to become sincerely grateful for His interventions in your life.

⁸ Let the whole world bless our God
and loudly sing his praises.
⁹ Our lives are in his hands,
and he keeps our feet from stumbling.
¹⁰ You have tested us, O God;
you have purified us like silver.
¹¹ You captured us in your net
and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.
¹² Then you put a leader over us.
We went through fire and flood,
but you brought us to a place of great abundance.

Prayer for the Week

Move me, Lord, beyond appreciation for desires granted to gratitude for all Your wisdom allows.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter    RSS Feed   RSS Help