Depending upon the translation of your Bible, some Psalms include a short description or historical background. For Psalms 60, the following is rendered by three different translations.

 

He Will Tread Down Our Foes

To the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth. A Miktam of David; for instruction; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.

ESV

 

Urgent Prayer for the Restored Favor of God

To the Chief Musician. Set to “Lily of the Testimony.” A Michtam of David. For teaching. When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria of Zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

NKJV

 

For the choir director: A psalm of David useful for teaching, regarding the time David fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and killed 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. To be sung to the tune “Lily of the Testimony.”

NLT

 

As I read and studied these paragraphs, it struck me that David, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote these Psalms after he experienced a great victory over his enemies. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we, too, could write a poem or psalm, praising God in remembrance of what He did for us? Updating it to the 21st century, we could give thanks for God saving us from a harrowing car accident, giving us strength through a series of examinations, or blessing us with a recovery from a difficult illness. It may be written like this…

 

When God Brought Me Through My Sickness!
To the Choir Master and Chief Musician: Set to the song “Trust In You.” A song of praise and thanksgiving for remembrance and praise after God delivered him through a long week of illness!

 

Indeed! Although we may not write or compose with the elegance of David through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration or guidance, God is interested in our genuine sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, not the cleverness of our speech or prayers.

 

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

Psalms 50:23 (ESV)

 

I need to spend more time specifically remembering what God has done for me and praising Him in words and songs. I need to meditate upon His kept promises to me. And I need to share it with anyone who will listen so they may know that God is mighty and awesome to save!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.