“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1,2).

These are King David’s words. How do they apply to me? How would things change if I spent more time praising God and telling of his wonderful deeds as David did? How do I go about giving thanks to the Lord with all my heart?

In order to praise something sincerely, I need to know it. I can’t write a glowing review of a movie I haven’t seen. I can’t tell of God’s love and mercy if I haven’t paid deep attention to Scripture to see how he worked wonders in the past or noticed and reflected upon how he has acted in my own life. I need to be aware.

Then, as the Spirit works in my heart, I will honestly testify to the Lord’s greatness because I will remember.

How will things change as I pay attention to God’s “wonderful deeds”? In addition to speaking from experience to others about the goodness of God, I will be changed myself. Reflecting on the works of the Lord will transform my heart and mind. It will bring me into deeper adoration of my Savior-God. It will increase my trust in him—what he can accomplish for me and through me in all areas of my life.