Turning to God in Trouble; Gratefulness to God

David encourages his readers or hearers to turn to God when they are in trouble. God will not only save us but will rejoice in our salvation. God is dependable when we call on him in need.

David describes the thankfulness and gratefulness of one who has been blessed so much by the LORD. Gratefulness for the strength and salvation given by God. The king whom David describes is most likely himself but the expression of gratefulness can be applied to anyone.


Psalm 21

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 1 The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD;
         And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
 2 You have given him his heart’s desire,
         And have not withheld the request of his lips.  Selah
       
 3 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness;
         You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
 4 He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—
         Length of days forever and ever.
 5 His glory is great in Your salvation;
         Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
 6 For You have made him most blessed forever;
         You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.
 7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
         And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.
       
 8 Your hand will find all Your enemies;
         Your right hand will find those who hate You.
 9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger;
         The LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath,
         And the fire shall devour them.
 10 Their offspring You shall destroy from the earth,
         And their descendants from among the sons of men.
 11 For they intended evil against You;
         They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.
 12 Therefore You will make them turn their back;
         You will make ready Your arrows on Your string toward their faces.
       
 13 Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength!
         We will sing and praise Your power.


Psalm 20

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
         May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary,
         And strengthen you out of Zion;
 3 May He remember all your offerings,
         And accept your burnt sacrifice.  Selah
       
 4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
         And fulfill all your purpose.
 5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
         And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
         May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
       
 6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
         He will answer him from His holy heaven
         With the saving strength of His right hand.
       
 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
         But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
 8 They have bowed down and fallen;
         But we have risen and stand upright.
       
 9 Save, LORD!
         May the King answer us when we call.