Thanks!

Thanks!

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: Make known his deeds among the people. Psalm 105:1 KJV

Context and Charge:

Nothing is said of the writer of this psalm, but the message is loud and clear. When a man charges his audience to give thanks to God, this charge comes from a place of personal experience. With all that is happening in the world, having a heart and attitude of gratitude is difficult. People will say that there is not much good news anywhere, but who says the physical is all there is? Why give thanks in the face of all the pressure and pain? Actually, what else is there to do? Do I sit down and moan about my lot in life, or do I seek out the God who can change situations and circumstances in a way that only He can? Giving thanks means I appreciate what I have received from God. It is not so much about the quantity and quality of the provision, but about the grace to be alive to receive them. 

I am also charged to call upon his name. What is in a name, you may ask. Actually, there is a lot. Jesus is one of the few people who were named by God before they were born. In that name is a definition of purpose and direction. I note the verse refers to name in the singular, but we have different names and descriptions for Jesus in the bible. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and when you consider all the names God is referred to in the bible, you find that all men, no matter the dispensation or the generation, found God to be real. Oh, there will be seasons when I must cry out for help. At that time, who I know matters. Would that be God, or other deceptive and false tokens of men? What you get flows from whom you know. This is one time you cannot fake it or pretend. 

Conclusion:

When God is my sole focus, it makes speaking about God attractive. When my life is a personal testimony of God's amazing grace, men will sit up and take notice. My life must speak of a personal encounter with God. People need to know that the solutions to this phase called earth lie with its creator and sustainer, which is God Himself. When God is lifted up, his promise is that He will draw all men to himself. When I speak of his deeds to men, I celebrate his power, might, mercy, grace and favour. It is both a personal and public affirmation of the greatness of this God. No experience of God is wasted; God knows how to turn every encounter into a testimony. His works are mighty in the earth, and one day, either by choice or compulsion, His name will be exalted above all. God's time of favour is here.