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Psalm 21:1-7  
For the director of music. A psalm of David.

The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

I have a confession to make. I stink at thanksgiving. I have no trouble with requests…I can do that all day long. I don’t mean to be unthankful…but the next thing is on my mind. And, of course, the next thing is full of more requests. Today I am learning a lesson from the king.

Psalm 20 was a prayer before entering the battle; Psalm 21 is a thanksgiving psalm upon returning from the battle. David took the time to celebrate God’s strength and enjoy the thrill of victory. David expressed praise for granting him his heart’s desire, for rich blessings, and for the spoils of war. David asked that his life be spared and God had delivered. The benefits of trusting God are unending–His love never fails and He keeps his servant steadfast.

So, I have to learn this lesson from David. Pray before the battle AND take the time to thank God after the battle. Thanksgiving is the reminder that God is at work in our lives and guards us from using Him like an ATM machine. . . only approaching Him when we want to make a request withdrawal. 

Father, forgive me for not taking the time to give you thanks. Help me learn the lesson of this passage and apply it every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.