Psalm 138:1-18
Two things are happening this week. The first one is the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States. The second is that this coming Sunday will be the last one of the current Christian Calendar year. Both events are reason for us to reflect, albeit on different things.
Thanksgiving brings with it a certain feeling to give of ourselves to help others. We look for opportunities to give of ourselves, maybe find an organization that serves lunch to the needy. We take an honest look at what we have and are grateful for it; no matter how much of "it" we have. When the actual day of Thanksgiving comes we gather with family, friends, neighbors, and (sometimes) total strangers to share a meal, or two, or three. The day is filled with fun and fellowship; each person recalling times that were better, and sharing times that might not be good.
It's just that kind of Thanksgiving the Psalmist shares with us today. We're blessed by the writer to be given an opportunity to recall all of the promises made between King David and God. Everything from David's promise to not live in a house until one is built for God to God's promise to make David the greatest king Israel has ever known is given to us in this Psalm. A brief knowledge of the history of the Hebrew people as told in the Old Testament will show us how each one of these promises were fulfilled in a very faithful way.
Such promises really make me stop to wonder about those I've made to God, or anyone for that matter, and if I've been faithful enough to fulfill each one. I can honestly say that not every promise I've made I've kept. As I sit here, though, I can honestly say that when I've made a promise I've tried my best to keep it, and maybe that's what's really important.
As the days move towards Thanksgiving in the States, I want to ask each one of you to think about the promises you've made and how you've tried, or not, to fulfill these promises. You might just discover a new thing to be thankful for.
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