‘I will give thanks to YHWH with my whole heart;
I will show forth all your marvellous works.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O you who are Most High.'
The psalmist begins with a cry of worship and praise to YHWH. He declares his gratitude for what God has done for him, for His marvellous works on His people's behalf, and especially (as is revealed later) because that in itself is a reflection of what YHWH will finally do for all the righteous. He declares further that he will therefore be glad and exult in YHWH, and sing praise to His name as the Most High.
‘‘I will give thanks to YHWH with my whole heart.' This was what the psalmist was determined to do whatever the circumstances, for he could look back on past blessings and knew that however dark it might sometimes seem, the future was safe in God's hands. Whatever our situation this must also be our first concern, a whole-hearted giving of thanks to YHWH our God. However bad our situation there is always something to give thanks for. So let us determine to do so. ‘With my whole heart.' It is good for us too to examine ourselves to ask whether our praise also is from our whole heart, or just perfunctory.
‘Your marvellous works.' This signifies the outstanding works of God both in nature (Job 5:9), in His dealings with His people in history (Exodus 3:20), and especially at the times of their great crises (Psalms 78:4; Psalms 78:11; Psalms 78:32). It no doubt includes the situation described in Psalms 9:3-6. He is determined to show them forth and confident that those marvellous works will continue until the end. The Bible is full from beginning to end with His marvellous works. That in the end is what it is all about, and none more wonderful than the coming of Jesus and its consequences.
‘Your name.' That is, the character and being of God as revealed through His name. That He is the Most High is the guarantee that what He desires, the total vindication of the righteous, will be accomplished. None can circumvent His will.
‘I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O you who are Most High.' The psalmist had learned the truth that when things appear blackest (see Psalms 9:13) is the time to sing and give praise. We too need to learn that lesson. If sometimes things seem dark then make yourself sing your favourite hymns. You will be surprised how quickly things will appear brighter. For then we will realise that the Most High is still on our side.