November 3:
I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. – Psalm 69:30
I love to sing! I especially love to sing songs of praise to
God. I guess that is why I enjoy reading the Psalms so
much. There are so many expressions of thanksgiving and
praise within this collection of songs that were memorized
and sung by the Israelites.
Praise and thanksgiving are the major themes of these
songs. Oh, sure, there are times when there is “lament,”
complaining to God about circumstances…even asking
God, “Why?” at times. BUT rarely is there a psalm of
lament that does not end with praise and thanksgiving.
There is something for us to learn here, you know? First, it
is wholly appropriate to “lament.” God can take it. He can
handle your complaint, your grief, and your questions. He
is not threatened at all. In fact, I believe that God delights
in our turning to him in all circumstances…even when we
believe we have reason to complain or question. It is
another expression of trust, really.
Like David and the other Psalmists, we have an open
invitation to come before God, even to bring our laments.
Guess what? I believe experience will show us that our
laments, complaints and questions will turn to praise and
thanksgiving. That is exactly what happens in the Psalms
and it has always proven true in my own life.
Take time to praise God in song, today. Magnify Him with
Thanksgiving. Do you have reason to lament? Share it
with Him. I believe it will not be long until He will turn it
around. Give Thanks!