Today’s Bible Reading: Ruth 1, Psalm 92, Mark 8:31-38, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 Psalm 92:

Giving thanks to God can seem like a chore for some people. They look down when they are singing to God and rarely will offer any praise interspersed with their intercessions. But, says the psalmist, “It is good” to give thanks to God (92:1). Praising God is not only right, not only dutiful, it is pleasant, it is good. 

 

Indeed, God gives us gladness. “For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy!” (92:4). Delighting in God is a delightful thing to do! Gladness comes when we are part of his work! When we rejoice in him, we find we are in the presence of joy! 

 

But all this is too much for some people to understand. It seems too complicated, too obtuse, too obscure. “Your thoughts are very deep,” but “the the stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this” (92:5). People think that rebelling against God, taking moral shortcuts, emphasizing get-rich-quick schemes, and following whatever gives you the biggest high in the quickest amount of time is the way to be happy. They cannot see that “though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever” (92:7). 

 

Instead, for the follower of God, God himself has given him strength. “But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox” (92:10). Indeed, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree” (92:12). And, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green” (92:14). 

 

Therefore, it is Good to give thanks to the Lord!

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