Thoughts for the Day

God’s Work in Creation and in History

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;

who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who spread out the earth on the waters,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures for ever; ....

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.

O give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In the Jewish tradition Psalm 136 is often called the "Great Hallel" (the "Great Psalm of Praise"), and we can see that the congregation would have responded to the cantor or choir's sentences with the phrase "for his steadfast love endures for ever". The whole congregation were drawn together in praise and thanks to God - God who is their Creator; God who is their Rescuer; God who is God of heaven.

In the depths of winter (apologies to Australia) it can be difficult to praise God in such an exuberant fashion, when the daylight only increases by three more minutes each day; when the fields are flooded; and the cold wind bites. Many people seem to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a mood disorder which is commonly associated with the reductions of sunlight hours. Yet there is still so much for which we can thank God and offer Him praise.

For each of us this praise and thanksgiving will be different. Mine is for the natural world (sunsets and snowdrops come to mind at present); for God's love as seen in my family and friends; for church (its community, and music); and for ill-health that is bearable. I praise and thank God each day. What do you thank God for?

Lord God,
we thank You for Your steadfast love for us,
and for all Your blessings to us Your children.
When life seems hard may we not take them for granted,
but continually bless You for Your generosity.
Help us to lift our souls from the depths to the heights,
and to see in a small flower or a tiny bird,
your continuing generosity to us,
so that we may truly thank You for all Your gifts.
Amen.