July 29, 2023 — Psalm 96

“O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The LORD is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.” Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.” Psalm 96

Our words of prayer, praise and thanksgiving should not be just a sometime thing — they should be a daily discipline. As such, we have the opportunity every day to tailor our words to the circumstances — our words should match our context — in particular, offering thanks and praise for the blessings G-d has given us. Because of the way the world works lately, it is easy to get caught up in our problems and to forget that G-d saves us day by day. G-d forgives our sins day by day. G-d delivers us from the evil one day by day. And we should remind ourselves that no matter how many disappointments or failings we may experience, day by day, G-d is with us. Think of a time when G-d saved you from distress or danger? Did you have to think long and hard? Or, was it easy to note how and when G-d was with you?

My point is this: G-d saves us day by day in ways that we never even notice. For example, did you breathe normally today? Did you have food to eat, a bed to lie upon, and the ability to see? People who have emphysema, or are homeless, or are blind would believe that your experience is a “pie in the sky” blessing. Let us Praise G-d for all of the blessings we each have today — every day!  It is easy to praise G-d in good times — we need to praise G-d in all times, good and bad! As our Doxology says, “Praise G-d from whom all blessings flow…….” For our G-d saves us ad infinitum.

Prayer

Ever-living God, the heavens were glad and the earth rejoiced when you sent your Son, the incarnate Word, to dwell with us. Help us to proclaim your glory to those who do not know you, until the whole earth sings a new song to you, with your Son and the Holy Spirit one God, now and forever.

Amen.