Psalms 9:11-16 (NLT) Sing praises to the LORD who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds. For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore those who cry to him for help. LORD, have mercy on me. See how I suffer at the hands of those who hate me. Snatch me back from the jaws of death. Save me, so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem's gates, so I can rejoice that you have rescued me. The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others. They have been caught in their own trap. The LORD is known for his justice. The wicked have trapped themselves in their own snares. “Save me, so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem's gates, so I can rejoice that you have rescued me.” Does this verse sound familiar? Almost like when we try to make a deal with God and say, “God if you would just help this one time, I will _________?” But that’s not what David is talking about in this prayer. Look at verse 11 again, “ Sing praises to the LORD who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.” David is praising the Lord even before he is asking for help. Yet, how often do we call on the name of the Lord, or how often do we spend talking to Him without asking for anything? Have you ever stopped and just thought about the Lord and who He really is? No, not just a provider in our time of need, even though He is. But even more than that. He’s the creator of the universe! He holds everything together in His hands. By His will they came to be. Just remember that everything you see God created or created the material for it to be made by man. For example, look at the palm of your hand. Every single line you see there is not to be read by some phony boloney palm reader. No, God created every single line in your hand, possibly as a simple reminder that He has you in His Righteous Right Hand. Also, every single line in your hand represents movement in your hands and how they are used. Whether for good or for evil. Simply look at your hand again and start to move your fingers around and as you do, you will see the lines in your hand appearing when you do. Once again those lines represent how you have been using your hands over the years. And the reason no lines on your hands are the same as the lines on the hands of others, is because God called us all to be different and use us and our hands in different ways for His glory. Now try to count the number of lines in the palm of your hand; no not just the big ones, but every single line you see. Yes God took the time to put each one there in just that special way to create your own personal hand, unlike any other. And He created each line on your hands so that your hands would be used for His glory. So today, spend the time looking around you, and at yourself, and remember God and Who He is and how He created you just as He wanted you, as well as everything on the earth and in the universe. Use this day to thank Him and Praise Him, for He alone is worthy! 1 Samuel 2:2 No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 150:1-6 Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!