11-26-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 26, 2023
Today, we conclude our series on Gratitude. Let me be clear—it is ONLY this worship series that is concluding. My expectation is that your gratitude not only continues, but maybe you’ve found some different ways of thinking about it and approaching it. Let me offer you some thoughts from Psalm 30, specifically the first few verses:

I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be in my mouth.
I praise the Lord--
    let the suffering listen and rejoice.

You can read those words in at least two ways. Some have suggested that our rejoicing is a way of rubbing the faces of those suffering more deeply in their suffering. It’s almost as if those praising God are uninterested or oblivious to the hurt and anguish of others, singing at the top of their lungs to drown out the cries of pain. That is a sort of gloomy interpretation. A more optimistic reading might be to think of those who are overwhelmed with the joy of God’s blessings as the ones who will desire above everything else to make sure those who are suffering experience firsthand the blessings of God. Songs of celebrative praise move the thankful into self-giving acts of kindness and compassion. Maybe it’s just because I’m an optimist, but I’m going with the second interpretation of the passage.

Each time I pause to give you praise and thanksgiving, Lord God, I hope the next action is for my faithful convictions to become faithful actions that resemble your grace and goodness. May the blessings I sing about with my lips become the blessings I share with my life. Amen.