Psalm 116:12-14
How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Thanksgiving is a gift our calendars give us each year to pause, gather, feast and remember God’s goodness. Even when times are tough and uncertain, God displays His goodness. Even when we can’t figure out how we’re going to get through whatever it is we’re going through; God’s goodness is that ray of light in the dark.
Notice the question the psalmist raises; how could we possibly repay God for all He’s done for us? Our initial reaction is, “there’s just no way, His love is overwhelming.” But then verses 13-14 offer three responses—worship, pray, obey. I will lift up the cup of salvation (worship); call on the name of the Lord (pray); I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people (obey). It’s not a re-payment plan, it’s simply a lifestyle we’re motivated to live in the shadow of the towering presence of God’s goodness.
So, when you gather with friends and family this week, take some time and read Psalm 116:12-14, go around the table and have people share one way they’ve seen/experienced God’s goodness in their life this past year, then wrap up with a prayer of gratitude and commitment to honor Him.
O Lord,
nurture in me
the song of a lover,
the vision of a poet,
the questions of a child,
the boldness of a prophet,
the courage of a disciple.
– Rev. Ted Loder
Amen. Happy Thanksgiving!