November 11:
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises
to Your name, O Most High; – Psalm 92:1
I once heard a preacher say, “I just can’t be good.” He then went
on to relate the story of his failing to resist the temptation to
eat the crust off of a pie cooling in the window as a child,
along with the severe punishment for eating that crust.
Years later, now an evangelist, staying as guest in
someone’s home, he faced the same temptation. There
were two pies sitting and cooling for later. He found
himself alone and severely tempted to eat the pie crust.
Before he knew it, he had eaten the crust from both pies.
He described himself as being “consumed by the crust,
because it was so good.”
I don’t know about you, but I find myself consumed by
many things. Most of the time, those are “good” things,
like fresh-baked pie crust. Nevertheless, they become a
hindrance to experiencing the better things of God, like
thanksgiving and praise. Please don’t misunderstand. I see
nothing wrong with enjoying the good gifts that God has
given us…family, fellowship, food, etc. However, when
they consume all of our “productive” time, we must
evaluate and adjust our priorities.
The Psalmist proclaims two things “good” in this verse.
Giving thanks to the Lord is good. Singing praises to God
is good. Notice that God is the object of both of these
activities. In my own life, I would have to confess that the
most precious memories I have involve God as the object.
Sure, I have had some great times doing other things,
especially enjoying good food (with gratitude to God).
Those things cannot compare to the sweetness of giving
thanks and praise to God, though. Give Thanks!