Psalms 35:18
I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
Psalms 35:18
David shifts from lament to public thanksgiving: “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation.” Public worship becomes the arena where God’s deliverance is declared and celebrated “among much people.” This transformation from complaint to praise reflects a trust that God will vindicate and that communal worship should testify to God’s faithfulness. It also situates personal deliverance within the corporate life of God’s people—reminding the community of God’s faithfulness in times of trouble.
Praise functions as a form of witness and a reinforcement of faith for others. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty and invites communal trust. Public gratitude also builds confidence among the afflicted that God has not abandoned them and that the fellowship of believers can bear witness to divine salvation. Theologically, this aligns with biblical motifs of corporate worship and communal memory, reinforcing that salvation is not only personal but communal.
In practical terms, share your testimony of God’s deliverance in worship gatherings, small groups, or online platforms. Let others hear how God intervened in your life, which can encourage those who are suffering. If you have experienced restoration, consider ways to bless others—mentoring, sharing resources, or offering prayer. Regularly include gratitude in your prayer life, and through church or community events, celebrate God’s faithfulness together.
Cross-References: Psalm 22:22; Psalm 40:9-10; Acts 2:46-47; Hebrews 10:24-25