A Song of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Of course, it's always a good time to be thankful, but this time of year offers us a more structured chance to reflect and rejoice.

A certain song of Israel has been running through my mind this week as I prepared to write. The song is the 136th Psalm. It begins as follows:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who alone does great wonders,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who by understanding made the heavens,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who spread out the earth above the waters,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who made the great lights,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

the sun to rule over the day,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

the moon and stars to rule over the night,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

The poet repeats for emphasis, over and over-- the Lord's steadfast love endures forever! After this powerful introduction, the writer then details the long list of how the God of heaven had fought on Israel's behalf, time after time, and how He provides for the world at large. Perhaps the repetition was not only aesthetic, but necessity, for a people who could not seem to remember the truth of God's faithfulness and the discipline of declaring it. Perhaps the poet put his words to song in hopes the lyrics would sink into his own heart. The song's repetition is a rhythm I desire as well. A rhythm of thanks. A rhythm of remembering. A rhythm of declaring His faithfulness to my own heart. 

In the celebration of gratitude this week, I have reflected on my own history, counted the ways he has loved me, and written my own psalm of thanks.  

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who placed me in a loving family,

and guided my way, even from my youth,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who provided me with deep friendships, 

even in my middle school years,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who provided me wisdom when I was lost,

who provided me teachers and experiences 

to expand my perspective when my thinking was limited,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who, when I was so worried about my finances,

supplied me with a job that provided just what I needed at the time,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

and who, when brokenness, grief and loss 

threatened to destroy my family, 

bound us together with love, rather than let us be torn apart,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who carried me through the dark valley of grief

with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who brought just the man for me

after years of longing and waiting for love,  

but who sustained me and gave me joy in my single years,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who fulfilled dreams of living overseas, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who gives victory to my loved ones after years of prayers,

who draws my friends to the light 

when all they have known is darkness,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who brought me to my school in his timing, 

and brings me joy in my work,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

It is he who remembered me in my low estate,

and rescued me from emptiness,

he who gives good to me all my days,

Give thanks to the God of heaven,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

This is my song of thanksgiving, filled with His redemption of my trials and suffering. I look forward to adding to this song as the years pass and I press towards meeting Him face to face. Will you join me in this chorus? 

-Madison