Give Thanks!

givethanks-nov5

As I read Psalm 106 the other morning, God reminded me of His faithfulness and steadfast love. Describing the Israelites’ plight through the desert, their sin and disobedience, their idolatry, their continuous desire to do as they pleased, this Psalm reveals the heart of God to forgive, redeem, and love even when His people forsake Him.

Read Psalm 106.

The opening strains of Psalm 106 declare the Psalmist’s heart, “Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” What a reminder to us during this time of Thanksgiving. We, like the stubborn and sinful Israelites see the goodness of the Lord, yet choose to go our own way. Selfish and striving for more, we long to satisfy our souls by bowing down to that which proves itself empty.  Out of fear, out of discontentment, out of laziness, we buy into the empty, expecting joy, yet finding nothing. But then God steps in and blesses with His goodness, grace, and steadfast love.

Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. — Psalm 106:44-45

Yes, God heard the cry of His people in the desert. He gathered them when they found themselves in captivity. And before He even knew us, He ransomed us with the gift of His own Son, Jesus. Yes, “Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Forever we belong to Him. Forever redeemed, forever forgiven, even in our ungratefulness, God loved, and the gift of covenant given by Jesus keeps on giving. Even in our discontentment and longing for the empty, God comes full-handed and ready to fill. Even in our idolatry, sin, and selfish gain, God loves, blesses, and pours out grace upon grace. HE IS THE COVENANT KEEPER. In the midst of our unfaithfulness, HE IS FAITHFUL.

Oh, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Have a blessed week!

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