Thanks!

Thanks!

Psalm 105:1 AMPC

[1] O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples!

In a world where it seems easier to complain about what is going on around you, the verse above reminds us that there are bigger things at stake than what we can see with our eyes. In a world that is increasingly becoming more attuned to evil, with man finding new and novel ways to hurt other people or cause harm, we are reminded to take our eyes and hearts away from the problems we can see, and focus on the One person who really matters. There is no information on who wrote the words of this psalm, but there is no doubt about the message and direction of the words. When a verse starts with O, it must be trying to pass on a fundamental message: no matter what the problem is now, consider a different approach. You may have tried other options which did not work as planned, but consider trying this new response or reaction as laid out in the verse above. 

It must be noted that the recommendation to give thanks unto the Lord does not mean that whatever situation you were going through now automatically comes to an end, but it is a tried and tested way to get me to focus less on the WHAT around me, and focus more on the one WHO makes things beautiful in His time. At no time did Jesus promise His own that the skies will be perpetually clear and blue, but He did promise us His presence and power. He did not say we will not have trials and tough times, but He promised us his ever abiding presence. He did not say that we will not have opposition, but He has guaranteed us His backing at all times. No matter what the physical reality is, I am reminded that there is a greater power, a bigger presence, and a better outcome at stake than whatever it is that is in front of me now. I cannot afford to sacrifice the eternal for the earthly and the temporal. 

The verse encourages me to call upon the Lord, and not on any man. It is God that will raise men, even those who do not know or care about me, to help me. The verse also encourages me to call upon the name of the Lord, as His name brings deliverance, healing and salvation. His Name is His person, His identity and a window into His nature. When I call Him, I am asking Him to defend His name and show forth His character. Whatever the problem may be, there is a Name that is the solution to that problem. Of course, when there is impact, I cannot keep quiet. When there is divine intervention, I cannot afford not to speak about it. When I have asked God to step into a situation, I must let Him work, and  I must also be quick to speak about His hand at work in my life. He wants to be known, and I must make Him known. Can God count on me to testify of His goodness in my life? God's time of favour is here.