Scripture:
Psalms 106, 107, 118 and 136 all begin with these words, “O, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Reflection:
2020 has been a difficult year. I have heard more people than ever say – I just want this year to be over! Even though it’s been difficult, it doesn’t lessen the importance of giving thanks to the Lord this Thanksgiving. God’s word reminds us that it is not just when circumstances are good that we are to give thanks, but rather it is in all circumstances. Circumstances like 2020 when it seems like the whole world is in some sort of chaos or despair.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse was written while Paul was in Corinth making and repairing tents. Not the most ideal of circumstances.
King David said in Psalm 34:1 said “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” What makes this verse stand out is that it was written in a time of extreme stress and danger. Understanding the context of this psalm gives it so much more color and depth, for it could be entitled “Praise in the Cave.”
King David wrote this verse when he was fleeing for his life. David, fleeing from King Saul had an idea that he might find peace living within the city of Israels enemy. When he arrived, he realized his mistake. To avoid being killed by the Philistines, he had to pretend that he was insane. He had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king of Israel, yet here he is before his enemy faking insanity just to preserve his life.
Finding no refuge from King Saul in the Philistine city of Gath, the former city of the giant Goliath, David seeks shelter in the cave at Adullam (1 Samuel 21:10-22:1.)
There, hiding in the darkness of a cave is where David turns his heart toward heaven and writes, by faith, his thanks and praise to the Lord. As he composes this psalm, he begins each verse with another letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This is believed to be the way that both David and his men could recite and even memorize these amazing words of thanks and praise…while in the cave!
This year Thanksgiving should remind us that it isn’t just when life feels good and safe that we give thanks, but it is God’s will for us to give thanks in all circumstances. We may not have it all together, but together in Christ, we have it all.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
David
Prayer:
“Lord thank you that you are always with me wherever I go. Thank you that you have placed me in places where I can experience your presence, provision and peace. Your promises are yes and amen for me today, as well as in every one of my tomorrows. Thank you that in you, I am safe and secure even when the world around me seems to be in chaos. Help me live by faith in the promise that you are with me, always!”
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