Psalm 9-- Is 'God Bless America' Backwards?

Every U.S. president that I can recall in my lifetime has always concluded any major speech or address to the nation with, "And may God bless America." But I'm waiting to hear a president say, "And may America bless God." You see, it is great to ask for Divine favor and blessing on a nation--but it is even more important that a nation brings blessing to God. Now before you "amen" that statement too much, think about your own life. How many times do you go to God asking for some form of His blessing or intervention in your life compared to how many times you bless God? In Psalm 9 we see an example of what in means to bless God, illustrated by David in the first two verses. "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart." Do you live a lifestyle of praise that comes from the very innermost part of who you are? Do you have an undivided heart that daily offers praise to the Lord? "I will tell of Your marvelous works." How many people this week have you told about the marvelous works of God? "I will be glad and rejoice in You." Does your joy in life stem from a deep understanding of God and a close walk with him? Are you deeply in love with the Lord--or has life detracted from that love relationship? "I will sing praise to Your name." Are you so focused on the Lord that you find yourself breaking out into songs of praise to Him, not on Sunday but in the middle of the week? The chapter goes on to chronicle why we should bless God--because He is a righteous judge, a refuge for believers, and a deliverer of those in need. Yes, let's continue to ask for God's blessing on our nation and on our lives, but let's also be sure that our nation and our lives are blessing God.
_____________
Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.