Praise

Introduction

A. Our assembly tonight will revolve around 2 Samuel 22. In this text David sings a song to God. It is a song of praise thanking God for what he has done for David. Within this song several attributes about God are sounded. Tonight, I would like for some of these attributes to surround our thinking and our singing. Let’s begin with prayer thanking God for who he is and that he has willingly revealed himself to us. And after that prayer, listen as the first part of this song is read.

B. Prayer and reading (2 Samuel 22:2–20).

C. In this text, David praises God for a variety of things he has done. For David, in his distress he calls to God. Why? Because he sees God as his rock, his fortress, his deliverer, his shield, his stronghold, his refuge, and his savior. For David God is his security. In those times which are uncertain, when times are hard, God is our security. When it seems that the challenges before you are just too much, God is your security. Aren’t there times when it seems that you need an umbrella of protection around you? David knew there were tough times. There were times when he was encompassed by his enemies, but God gave him a sense of security. We believe that just as God gave David security when times were hard, so he, too, gives us security to meet challenges in front of us. Let’s sing about God’s security and our dependence upon him.

D. Suggestions: 467, 477, 478, 525

E. Reading (2 Samuel 22:21–31)

F. Let’s focus on the light of God from verse 29. My family enjoys camping. We don’t get to go as often as we would like, but we carve out one weekend a year to go. One of the things that we must take with us is some type of light source whether it be a lantern or a flashlight. Away from the city lights, it is pretty dark. Even with a full moon because of the cover of the trees it is dark. The light source, however, does not illuminate the entire campgrounds. But it is enough light to keep us from running into trees or walking in an unsafe area. God does not illuminate everything for us. There will be times when we aren’t sure of the outcome. But God does give us enough light so that we can with confidence and assurance walk with him. Just as God turned David’s darkness into light, so God will give us light so that we may see where to walk with him and in full assurance follow him wherever he may lead us. Let’s sing about God’s light and our confidence in him.

G. Suggestions: 611, 290, 449, 479

H. Reading (2 Samuel 22:32–49)

I. As we have seen, David had numerous times in which his moral fortitude failed. David was a great king in the annals of Israelite history; however, he more than once allowed his passions to rule him. What set David apart was his reliance ultimately upon the strength of God for his own strength. In verses 33–36, David praises God for his strength which allowed David to stand and to not fall. Surely we have experienced those times when we are weak. Like David, God lifts us up and sets us on our feet again. He provides the strength that we need. Let’s sing about God’s strength.

J. Suggestions: 406, 31, 71

K. Reading (2 Samuel 22:50–51)

L. David ends this song of praise with words of hope for the future. Although David could not see what the future held, he knew that God’s promise to bring a great nation through David would be fulfilled. Not knowing the future is, of course, to be expected. Trusting God to fulfill his promises is the evidence of faith. Let’s make David’s song of praise our song. As we end our time together let’s sing one more song remembering God’s promises to be fulfilled.

M. Suggestion: 463

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