Thanksgiving - Part 3

The previous two posts have examined aspects of God for which to be thankful. The first post (Psalm 115) considered God's infinite superiority to idols; He is the true God who sees and hears His children and responds in power toward them. The second post (Psalm 36) considered God's vast superiority to mankind; the abundant excellence of God's character shapes His dealings with man. While these two psalms present merely a partial picture and limited reasons for thanking God, they illustrate that God is definitely worthy of thanks.

When one does determine to thank God, what does that look like? How can mankind begin to adequately express his thankfulness to such a great God? When one considers how much God has done for him, a simple "Thank You" seems so trivial. There must be a fuller and more effective way to give thanks. The psalmist of Psalm 116 examines this very question. He specifically recalls God's answered prayer and His deliverance, shaped by God's wonderful character, and the grateful psalmist asks, "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?" (v. 12).

First, the psalmist determines to offer prayer. "I shall lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD" (v. 13). God has already answered prayers for this man. He remembers those answers and determines to continue praying to God. He will keep looking to God at all times, including future times of need. His dependence will be on God. It is actually a flattering response to be dependent on someone else, because dependence expresses confidence in the other's ability. It displays trust, acknowledgment, and admiration for the competence of the other person, in this case God, to properly and adequately respond to the needs.

Second, the psalmist determines to offer public service. "I shall pay my vows to the LORD, oh may it be in the presence of all His people" (v. 14, 18). His specific vows are not revealed, but this aspect is so important that he lists it twice. There are actions that the psalmist will do in the house of God. Perhaps those will be publicly spoken words. Perhaps they will be gifts rendered. Perhaps they will be acts of service. Whether in words, wealth, or works, this man is going to actively do something in a public setting that will express His thanks to God.

Third, the psalmist recognizes the value of an entire life of godliness. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones" (v. 15). When God receives one of His devoted saints in death, the event is special and precious to Him. What a wonderful gift then to give to God - a life dedicated to pursuing godliness. The psalmist understood that precious gift, and apparently determined to life in such a way that would bring God pleasure at the conclusion of his life. He wanted to give God that consistent godly life.

Fourth, the psalmist was devoted to a life of service to God. "O LORD, surely I am Your servant, I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid, You have loosed my bonds" (v. 16). His service was not to be a one-time response. Rather, he was giving his life to serve God. He willingly placed himself under bondage and viewed himself as a slave who owed his entire life to God. All his days were devoted to the God he loved.

Fifth, the psalmist anticipated giving thanks. "To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the LORD" (v. 17). For some reason, he called his thanksgiving a sacrifice. Perhaps he viewed it as a deliberate offering, similar to the animal sacrifices. Perhaps he realized it would be a sweet and savory expression. Perhaps he recognized that sometimes giving thanks is not easy. Regardless, it is hard to imagine this man sitting silently through a Thanksgiving service. On the contrary, this was a man who would regularly open his mouth to give thanks to God.

Sixth, the psalmist valued praise to the Lord. "In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!" (v. 19). Particularly in the place of worship, he would praise God, and he called on others to join him in praise. Based on the other intended demonstrations, it is likely that this man praised God wherever he went.

God does not act on behalf of His children so that He can receive prayer, service, godliness, thanks, and praise. God acts as He does because of His character. He is good and loving and compassionate. He is faithful and just and righteous. He is aware of the needs of His children, and He is powerful to meet those needs. God's character determines His actions, but it is right and appropriate for His children to respond to the blessings of God with devotion. They ought to be so thankful that they will express that thanks both with short-term acts of praise, thanks, and worship, as well as with long-term dedication, service, and godliness. Such a great God who does so much is worthy of all that one can give.

Thanksgiving - Part 2

The previous blog (Psalm 115) examined the contrast between false gods and the true God. The true God is worthy of thanks because He is infinitely superior; in essence the false gods are dead, unresponsive, and unable to help, while God is living, involved, and powerful.

Psalm 36 is another great Thanksgiving psalm; it contrasts God with unregenerate man. While the false gods are merely powerless, man is actively wicked. The first four verses describe a man who hears transgression speak to him within his heart. He has no fear of God. He feels flattered when his acts of wickedness are uncovered, especially when people are offended by them. His words overflow with wickedness and deceit. He has stopped being wise and has stopped doing good. He lies awake at night planning more wickedness, and he deliberately places himself in evil paths.

What a terrible world to live in, surrounded by such depths of evil! If this depravity were all that man knew, this world and this life would be dark indeed. Thankfully, a righteous God exists and makes Himself known in phenomenal contrast to the wickedness of man. While man reaches the deepest abysses and darkest quagmires of ugliness and sin, God excels by contrast, as He reaches the highest levels of holiness and wonder.

"Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens" (v. 5). God's kindness and tender goodness are beyond the reach of any human. His love is greater than the world itself is even able to hold. There is no limit to the kind, tender love of God, and He is constantly pouring it out upon His children.

"Your faithfulness reaches to the skies" (v. 5). People cannot be relied on, but God is completely trustworthy. He is firm and steadfast, never changing. Again, there is no way to reach beyond the realms of God's faithfulness. In every area of life, in every promise of His Word, and in every aspect of His character, God is flawless. His record is spotless and irreproachable, because He continually acts as He has said He will act, and He constantly is who He claims to be.

"Your righteousness is like the mountains of God" (v. 6). God is completely just, righteous, and ethical. He never does wrong or makes the wrong decision. He can be completely trusted to do the right thing. Not only is God's righteousness far higher than man can attain, but it is also unshakeable and firm. Nothing can disturb, displace, or destroy His righteousness.

"Your judgments are like a great deep" (v. 6). The decisions, actions, and verdicts that God decrees are another important aspect of His being. God never makes an error in judgment, regardless of the thorniness of the dilemma. Man can be too shallow and too limited to understand a scenario, but God's judgments are profound. There is no plumbing the depths of them. There is no reaching the bottom, or the limit, of what He can handle.

"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights" (vs. 7-8). God's character is very precious. What a wondrous privilege and blessing to have a God who is so loving, so nurturing, and so caring. He provides all that His children need, and there is no end to His resources. God's blessings are so abundant that man cannot even absorb them all.

In a wicked world filled with wicked men, in which even Christians can discern the wicked inclinations of their own hearts, God is holy and righteous. While man is shallow and limited, God's character knows no limitations. The aspects of His character are more lofty than man can scope and more profound than man can fathom.

I am thankful for a God whose lovingkindness is so elevated. I am thankful for a God whose faithfulness is so towering. I am thankful for a God whose righteousness is so indomitable. I am thankful for a God whose judgments are so profound. I am thankful for a God whose loving care is so limitless. I am glad that no one can come close to matching the magnificence of my God.

Certainly, it is right and appropriate to be thankful for the specific blessings of life, for material provision, and for practical displays of God's goodness. Let us not neglect, however, to be thankful for the incredible character of God that prompts His practical provision. He is a great God!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

Thanksgiving - Part 1

Psalm 115 is not traditionally connected to Thanksgiving, but it provides wonderful truth for inspiring thankfulness regarding God Himself. This psalm contrasts false gods with the true God.

Since the earliest years of time, man has invented his own gods, either out of ignorance of the true God or in rebellion against Him. Man has offered his service and worship to these false gods, giving them of his wealth and resources. He has made sacrifices to these gods, often of the most hideous and unthinkable nature. Man has tried to gain the favor of these gods so that his life would go well.

Perhaps the most incongruous aspect of false religion is that man actually makes with his own hands the gods to whom he will give his allegiance and worship. "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of man's hands" (v. 4). Psalm 115 presents the sad truth that these man-made false gods have absolutely no power.

"They have mouths, but they cannot speak" (v. 5). These gods cannot communicate anything to their worshipers, leaving men to guess as to what they should do and leaving them in profound doubt and ignorance.

"They have eyes, but they cannot see" (v. 5). These gods do not see what is happening in a man's life, nor do they see the sacrifices he makes. Man's efforts are vain, because the god he is trying to influence cannot even observe his actions.

"They have ears, but they cannot hear" (v. 6). These gods cannot hear the spoken words and desperate prayers of their followers. Much less can they hear the unspoken outcries of the heart.

"They have noses, but they cannot smell" (v. 6). These gods cannot smell the aroma of the sacrifices, nor can they breathe one breath of air. These gods are lifeless.

"They have hands, but they cannot feel" (v. 7). These gods cannot do a single thing to help those who worship them. They cannot uphold their worshippers, and they cannot do any action on their behalves.

"They have feet, but they cannot walk" (v. 7). These gods cannot even move themselves from place to place. They remain stationary, utterly dependent for transport upon the men who fashioned them.

"They cannot make a sound with their throat" (v. 7). Beyond their inability to speak, these gods cannot even make a sound. Perhaps this applies to gods in the form of animals, but the bottom line is that these false gods cannot make even the most insignificant expression of guidance or approval.

In summary, the false gods are totally worthless and completely powerless. In their impotence, they leave their followers helpless as well. "Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them" (v. 8).

The true God is very different, infinitely superior in every way. God speaks to His people through His Word and through His Holy Spirit, telling them clearly what is important to Him and guiding them in their lives. God sees every detail in the lives of His children, and He watches over them every day. God hears the prayers of Christians, both those that are spoken and those that remain in the heart. God breathes the aroma of spiritual sacrifices and is pleased. God's hands have unlimited power, and He constantly works on behalf of His followers both in routine and in miraculous ways. God has no restrictions on His movements; He is everywhere. God humbles Himself to communicate with those who are far below Him.

The true God is everything that the false gods could never be. Because He exists of Himself, He is superior to man rather than inferior. The only true God, the Creator and sustainer of the world, has total control. "But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases" (v. 3).

The list of what God can do is limitless, but this psalm does recount some things that God does for His people. He shows lovingkindness (v. 1) and maintains truth (v. 1). He is a help and shield (v. 9-11) and is worthy of trust (v. 9-11). He is mindful of His children (v. 12). He blesses His followers (v. 12-13). God gives increase to His children and their families (v. 14). He made the heaven and earth (v. 15). He gives the bounties of the earth for the benefit of mankind (v. 16).

This powerful and living God does all these wonderful things (and more) for His children for a far different reason than what is attributed to false gods. God doesn't work and bless because His followers give their money, cut their bodies, go through torture, choose deprivation, put their lives at risk, or sacrifice their children. No, the true God blesses His followers and does wonders for them because He loves them. It is His own heart that dictates His actions, not the feeble attempts of man to influence Him.

I am so thankful that my God acts toward me in love. I am thankful that I didn't have to create Him so I could have a divine source to look to. I am thankful that God speaks to me and guides me. I am thankful that God sees me every day, observing every need and every corner of my heart. I am thankful that He hears and cares about my every prayer. I am thankful that my God is living. I am thankful that my God can work on my behalf. I am thankful that He is everywhere I go as well as everywhere that has influence on my life. I am thankful that God clearly and effectively communicates with me.

What a blessing to know the true God! What a deliverance not to be trapped in darkness and ignorance! What a privilege to belong to and to serve the living God!

"But as for us, we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!" (v. 18).

Answers Provided

In the course of life, there are sometimes situations that call out for guidance and needs that require provision. We wait and we wonder. Where is God's answer? When will He step in and do what needs to be done? Doesn't He know? Doesn't He see?

Of course, He does. God always knows the answers, and He always has the provisions to meet our needs. Usually when the situation is serious and matters are desperate, we bring our needs to God; whether or not we tell Him, however, God already knows everything we need. "For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8).

While we are usually unaware that God is doing anything, He is often at work, preparing the answer ahead of time so it will be ready when the time is right. We don't always realize the advance preparation God makes in order to meet a need, but He often works out the provision before we ask and even before we are aware of the need. "It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24).

God certainly has the ability to meet a need on the spur of the moment with no apparent preparation. The manna for each day appeared in the morning. An angel appeared and made cakes for Elijah to eat. The disciples' nets suddenly filled with fish when there had been none all night.

More often, however, God's answer comes after deliberate preparation. God often requires our obedience before He pours out His provision. The widow's pitcher held a miraculous quantity of oil, but she and her sons first had to collect the empty vessels to hold that oil. The ark protected Noah and his family, but Noah spent many decades obediently building that ark. Jesus turned the water into wine, but first the servants had to obey His command to fill the pitchers with water. God often asks us to take steps of obedience; through those steps, He prepares both us and the situation to receive His provision.

At other times God does the preparation without any knowledge or realization on our part. The answer is wholly independent of us and serves as a tremendous display of God's ability to provide - and to prepare that provision ahead of time.

As Abraham climbed Mount Moriah, anticipating having to sacrifice Isaac, he didn't know how God would provide. His best guess was that God would raise Isaac from the dead after Abraham had completed the sacrifice. What Abraham didn't know was that God had provided a ram. That ram was caught in a nearby thicket. Abraham didn't know it was there waiting for him until God told him, but God had led that ram to the right spot and had caused it to become entangled in a bush, where it remained until Abraham arrived.

With marriage, prior preparation is always in play. When someone starts praying for or seeking a spouse, God doesn't mysteriously create the spouse at that time or cause the person to be born then. No, the person already exists and is already being trained by his or her parents and is already being molded by God's hand to be prepared for marriage. In Isaac's case, the dynamic of preparation is even more amazing. When Abraham sent his servant to seek a bride, he didn't know how long it would take to find one. God, however, led the servant directly to Abraham's relatives. Rebekah appeared at the well before the servant finished praying and had probably left home before the servant even arrived at the well. Both she and her family were in agreement to the marriage, so a task that could have required months or years was accomplished in an incredibly short space of time.

Jesus fed thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. At the end of the day, the people were hungry. They still needed to travel back to their homes, and there were no markets nearby to purchase food. The people had apparently consumed earlier in the day any provisions they had brought with them. This little boy still had his lunch. It had been with him all day, packed before he left home. Those important steps were made ahead of time so that Jesus could meet the need when it became crucial.

Peter needed money to pay the taxes for himself and for Jesus. When he told Jesus of the need, Jesus sent him on a fishing expedition. Peter pulled up a fish with coins in its mouth, enough to pay the taxes. Certainly a miraculous answer is possible, but it is more likely that the fish had already lived for quite some time. It had gone about its regular journeys for months or years. On this day, it came across something shiny and alluring on the bottom of the sea floor. Someone had dropped some coins - maybe earlier that day, but maybe even weeks or years earlier. The coins and the fish most likely existed before Peter even knew he needed them, but when the time was right, God brought everything together.

God knows every answer. He holds every provision. He may be working to prepare us during the waiting time, leading us in steps of obedience. Very likely He has already been at work for days, months, or years - putting into place everything that will be needed when He makes His answer clear. We can trust Him to arrange those details and to organize each factor in preparation for His answer.

"The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD" (Lamentations 3:25-26).

"But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me" (Micah 7:7).