As Thanksgiving approaches, my email inbox is full of reminders to be thankful. They come by way of my daily verse, offers for e-greeting cards, Black Friday sales announcements, and offers to buy some “thanksgiving messages” from well-known ministries.
I usually do not pay attention to most, but I always read the daily verse. One that came last week is very familiar, out of Psalm 95.
“Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.” [Psalm 95:1-2 HCSB]
I like the three reminders in this verse to shout. We are to shout joyfully to the LORD! We are to shout triumphantly to our Rock of Salvation. We are to shout triumphantly to God in song. Oh yes, and then there is that wonderful reminder that when we enter His presence those shouts are to embrace thanksgiving.
Those things may not be easy to do this year what with this virus-and-fear pandemic raising its voice around us constantly. And if we focus on what is going on in this world, we may not find a lot for which to be thankful. One local mayor has instituted strict restrictions, many local schools are going back to online learning, things are shutting down once again. Washington and Oregon have issued travel and quarantine guidelines that are severe. And California’s governor has issued a 10 PM to 5 AM curfew! (Lot of shouting going on about that!)
The church’s focus, however, is not to be on what is going on in this world. Her focus is to be on the LORD, our Rock of Salvation, our Savior and King. When we “see Jesus” and know how blessed we are to be called His, there should be a whole lot of shoutin’ going on – with thanksgiving!
So church, raise your voice. Let the world know that we serve a King who will reign forever and ever! Amen & Amen!
