now thank we all our god

Even though the election is now history, it is important to pray for the health of our nation, for its continued healing, and for a smooth transition of power. We are only a few weeks from Thanksgiving and it is always a good time to count our blessings. There are so many things that can rob us of gratitude and giving thanks. Our society has become increasingly corrosive to a thankful spirit, especially being thankful to God for all of our blessings. Our sermon series for next few weeks will be Now Thank We all Our God. If you are familiar with traditional hymns, you will recognize this title. Gratitude holds great power to improve our spirits, our outlook, and even our relationships. This hymn was written in 1636 by Pastor Martin Rinkhart for his children to use as a blessing before meals, but it was also during the Thirty Year War (1618-1648). It is amazing that he wrote this hymn because his city was at times overwhelmed with refugees, disease, and death. He had found the strength of gratitude! Our first sermon is Choose Gratitude. This is perhaps one of the most important choices. In Psalm 40:1-11, this is the choice that King David makes because God has answered his prayer. He could have considered this moment to be his good luck, instead, he chooses thankfulness. What about us? How can we stay grateful in a world that seems to be crushing us with so many cares, worry, and fear? David not only chooses the path to gratitude, but he also helps every believer to be lifted out the overwhelming weight of the burden of life to the joy of God’s presence. We pray that during this season of Thanksgiving, you will choose to have a grateful heart that can experience God’s awesome power lifting you into joy and praise. 

Psalm 40:1-11: For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. ² He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. ³ He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. ⁴ Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. ⁵ Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. ⁶ Sacrifice and offering you did not desire– but my ears you have opened– burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. ⁷ Then I said, “Here I am, I have come– it is written about me in the scroll. ⁸ I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” ⁹ I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as you know. ¹⁰ I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. ¹¹ Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. (NIV)