Thrive: A Journey Through the PsalmsSample

The Power of Proclamation There are moments in our lives when we have to choose to shift our focus. It is so easy to get fixated on our problems rather than remembering that God is in control. In today's Psalm, we see the Psalmist petitioning God for help amid his crisis. In verses 1-13, we observe the struggle the writer is facing to trust God. You can hear the fear and anxiety in his voice as he makes known the plight of his situation. However, in vs. 14, the tone of the writing changes. The Psalmist's circumstances are still the same, but somehow his perspective has changed. His words shift from petition to proclamation. In vs. 14, he boldly declares 14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. 15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. 16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Throughout the remainder of the Psalm, the entire mood has shifted from despair to hope. In the same way, when we shift our prayers from merely telling God our needs to proclaiming his plan and goodness, the atmosphere changes. Daily Challenge: Practice proclamation. Step One- Present your petitions of needs to God. Tell him how you feel about your situation and what you believe you need him to do in your life. Step Two- Believe that God has heard your petition and begin to thank him for hearing and answering your prayers. Step Three- Shift your focus of your from your needs to God's goodness. Proclaim his faithfulness in your life and express your love and praise to him.