Psalm 35:18 – I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
Congregation – an assembly of persons; an assembly of persons met for the worship of God.
This verse seems pretty self-explanatory. One of the ways that we are to give thanks and praise the Lord is in a large group of people.
Is it any wonder that the term “congregation” is most often used to describe the group of people in church together? Technically, the word refers to any group of people, but Christianity has so influenced our language that the term is rarely used for other gatherings of people.
Unless our health prohibits us, or we are the caregiver of someone whose health prohibits them, we should regularly meet with large groups of people to praise and thank the Lord for His goodness.
Interestingly, this entire chapter is David’s pleading with God to rescue him from all his enemies. In verses 15-16 he says that his enemies gathered together and had feasts, where they rejoiced when he had adversities and shredded him with their conversation.
I wonder if this is the great congregation that David says he was going into to give thanks to the Lord!
It’s one thing to praise the Lord in church. It’s utterly different to give God thanks in the middle of a group of people who hate you.
Maybe there’s a crowd of people you associate with who, if they aren’t your enemy, would definitely be classified as God’s enemy. Maybe they are at work, in your classroom, at family gatherings or even out in public places of commerce.
Do not be ashamed to speak of God’s goodness there! Raise your praise over the din of cursing, blasphemy, criticism and mockery. Give God your thanks, out loud, no matter where you are.
David ends the chapter by praying that those who rejoice in his hurt be ashamed and brought to confusion; and that those who favor his righteous cause will shout for joy and be glad. But as for him, his plan remained unchanged.
“My tongue shall speak of the righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psalm 35:28
No matter the crowd, keep thanking God for His goodness in your life!
Obtaining Mercy 