Real Thanks
Scripture Reading — Psalm 107:1-31
Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
The psalms are real about life. They don’t ignore or downplay life’s struggles and fears. That’s one reason why they are such a treasure for many people.
Psalm 107 address several difficulties faced by mortals in this world: being lost, imprisoned, afflicted with disease, and tossed about by a storm. Today the experience of being lost may include trying to find our way amid the myriad choices and complexities of our world. Being imprisoned for rebelling against God may include our addictions to various sins, comforts, conveniences, and social media. Our illnesses, storms, and other troubles may have different names and contexts today, but if they result from ignoring or defying God, the need for God’s forgiveness and help still resonates in our hearts and souls. We cry out in our need, and God guides, frees, heals, calms the storm, and in a multitude of other ways blesses his people. Trouble does not have the final word.
So we give thanks to God for all he has done, and we name and bear witness to the ways we’ve been rescued from trouble. Looking ahead toward worship in the next couple of days, we know that throughout the world, God’s people will gather and give thanks together.
May you have the opportunity to do that as well, in body or in spirit, and to share with others each day about God’s wonderful works!
Gracious God, we thank you for rescuing us in times of trouble. Enable us to tell of your works with grateful hearts. In Christ we pray. Amen.
About the author — Ruth Boven
Ruth Boven serves as minister of congregational life at LaGrave Ave. CRC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband, Greg, have two adult children. They find rich purpose in urban ministry and delight in enjoying the wonders of God's good creation.
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