Psalms of Thanksgiving

This is an excerpt from a paper I'm writing right now on the different genre's of the Psalms.  Two genres are mentioned here, the Lament and the Thanksgiving Psalms. Just found myself way encouraged while reflecting on this, Psalm 18 is the operative Psalm here which I'll post at the end for good measure. Love ya =)

Thanksgiving Psalms

            Psalm 18 is an excellent example of the Thanksgiving genre.  Interestingly enough, it begins by saying “I love you, Oh Lord, my strength.”  The Psalm continues in grateful ascents, expressing demonstrations of God’s faithfulness over and over in concrete ideas.  A notable characteristic of the Thanksgiving genre is their bond to a previous lament of some kind, and the conclusion of that lament for which the Psalmist gives thanks.  Verse 6 of this Psalm says “In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple.” This serves the spiritual purpose of creating assurance in God’s impending salvation and his forthcoming answer to prayer.  It also assures us that God is concerned with our outstanding conflicts and desires to bring resolution to them.  Lament Psalms are written out of impatience within God’s timetable.