The Psalm 9 Challenge

Do you want to take the Psalm 9 Challenge? Here it is: Memorize Psalm 9:1-2 and commit to each of the four action items found in these two verses. If you do, you will become great at praising the Lord. Not only that, I’m convinced your prayer life will improve, and your relationship with God will grow closer and closer. Here is Psalm 9:1-2 (NLT).

"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;

    I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

I will be filled with joy because of you.

    I will sing praises to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 9:1-2

Let's look at each action item, one at a time. 

Commitment #1:  "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart."

The above statement is a great promise to keep. Praise Him with your all, with everything you are. Mean what you say, and make sure your praise is real and authentic, and not done out of habit, using vain repetition. Of course, the only way to really praise Him with all of your heart is to be in a loving relationship with Him. The more that relationship grows, the more you will want to praise Him.

Commitment #2:  “I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.”

When you come to love your Lord, you will not only want to praise Him, you will want to boast about Him. Not only that, you will want to boast about Him everyday. You won’t be able to keep quiet about Him, and that’s not a bad thing. Remember, when you share your praise of God with others, it uplifts not only God, but it uplifts the person you share it with.

Commitment #3:  “I will be filled with joy because of you.”

Commit to being glad. That’s a simple but powerful statement. Sounds like a choice, doesn’t it? Try saying out loud, “I will be glad.” When you grasp what God has done for you, you cannot help but be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. So be glad!

Not only should we commit to being glad, we should commit to rejoicing in Him. Remember, no matter what, even when your heart is breaking, your joy is still found in the Lord. Nothing can take that joy away. It’s an inner peace, it’s an inner hope. Rejoicing in Him transcends our life circumstances. God’s love is unfailing and unchanging in every situation. Praise Him for the joy and the inner peace that is found only in Christ. 

 Commitment #4: “I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.”

When you get the chance, whether alone or in corporate worship, sing praises to Him. There is something special about singing, whether you can sing or not! God doesn’t really care if you sing in tune or not. He cares about your heart, and somehow music and singing can open the avenues to your heart. One thing that makes Sunday mornings so special is that it can be a time when voices blend as one in praise and worship to God. So go and participate, and when you sing, sing with gratitude in your heart. 

So that's it - the Psalm 9 Challenge. Memorize Psalm 9:1-2, and commit to each of the 4 action items.

Are you in?