The doctor wasnt frowning, despite talking to my husband about his recent cancer diagnosis. Smiling, she offered a suggestion: start each day by giving thanks. For at least three things, the doctor said. Dan agreed, knowing that gratitude opens our hearts to find encouragement in Gods goodness. Thus, Dan starts each day with words of praise. Thank You, God, for a good nights sleep. For my clean bed. For sunshine. For breakfast on the table. For a smile on my lips.
Each word is heartfelt. But could it sound trivial? Does our praise in lifes small details matter to Almighty God? In Psalm 50, Davids chief musician, Asaph, offers a clear answer. God has no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens (v. 9). Instead of these once-formal Israelite sacrifices of gratitude, God wants His people to give Him our hearts and lives in gratitude (vv. 14, 23).
As my husband experienced, whole-hearted gratitude helps our spirits flourish. Then when we call on the Lord in the day of trouble, He will deliver us (v. 15). Does this mean Dan will be healed, spiritually and physically, during his two-year treatment? Or not until after this lifetime? We dont know. But for now, Dan delights in showing God hes grateful for His love, and for who God is: Redeemer. Healer. Friend. And friends delight to hear these beautiful words: Thank You.
INSIGHT
The legal language and setting in Psalm 50 are hard to miss. A universal summons is issued by God (v. 1) and the purpose of the gathering is clearthe judgment of His people (v. 4). In a manner reminiscent of the giving of the Law (Exodus 19:1619), the Lord makes His grand entry (Psalm 50:23) as the righteous and just judge (v. 6). However, judge is not His only role; He is also witness (v. 7) and plaintiff (v. 8). Two groups of defendants enter the Lords courtroom and the Judge has indictments that match the transgressions of each group. The Lords charges against the first group (vv. 715) concerned their worship. Though a formal worship system was in place, the kind of worship the Lord desired was missing. Spiritual worship that included thanksgiving mattered to the Lord more than the flesh and blood of animals. The charges against the second group (vv. 1623) concerned their hypocrisy. Though they were able to recite words that came from God, their actions demonstrated their hearts were far from Him (vv. 1721). As with the first group, the Lords corrective included the reminder that thank offerings really matter to Him (v. 23).
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