Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Psalms 105:1 (NIV)
The first seven verses of this psalm focus on praising and witnessing God’s deeds:
Give thanks to the Lord and call on His name.
Sing to Him and tell of His wonderful works.
Glory in His holy name, and let those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and His strength continually.
Remember His wonderful works, miracles, and judgments.
Offspring of Abraham, His servant, and sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.
He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth.
The verses that follow recount a brief history of Israel from Abraham through their entrance into Canaan and how God remained faithful to His promise throughout.
Psalm 105 and Psalm 106 starkly contrast how the people of Israel responded to God’s mighty deeds. As Alexander Maclaren, Scottish Baptist minister and renowned biblical expositor, observed, “The keynote of Psalm 105 is, ‘Remember His mighty deeds,’ that of Psalm 106 is, ‘They forgot His mighty deeds.’”.
The contrast between Psalm 105 and Psalm 106 reminds us of the importance of remembering and acknowledging God’s works in our lives. While Psalm 105 celebrates God’s faithfulness and calls for praise, Psalm 106 recounts the consequences of forgetting God’s deeds and turning away from Him. This contrast encourages us to remember and thank God’s unchanging faithfulness continually.
Understanding that God is unchanging gives us stability and trust today. It means that God’s promises, character, and love remain constant, regardless of the circumstances. This assurance can be a source of comfort and strength in times of uncertainty.
Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian, and her family provided refuge to many Jews during the Nazi Holocaust by concealing them in their home. Eventually, they were discovered and sent to concentration camps. Despite the dire conditions, Corrie held firmly to her faith and frequently shared the message of God’s love and faithfulness with her fellow inmates.
One of the most powerful examples of God’s faithfulness in Corrie’s life occurred after the war. She was speaking at a church in Germany when she recognized one of the former guards from the concentration camp where she had been held. The guard approached her, seeking forgiveness. Corrie struggled with her emotions but remembered God’s command to forgive. She prayed for strength and, with God’s help, extended her hand and forgave the man.
This forgiveness was a testament to God’s faithfulness in Corrie’s life. Despite the unimaginable suffering she endured, God remained with her, giving her the strength to forgive and continue her mission of sharing His love.
Corrie ten Boom’s story reminds us that our circumstances do not limit God’s faithfulness. Even in the darkest times, His love and strength are available to us. Just as He was with Corrie, He is with us today, guiding and supporting us through every challenge.
How can we return our thanks to God for his faithfulness?
Prayer and Worship: Regularly setting aside time to pray and worship God, acknowledging His faithfulness, and expressing gratitude.
Acts of Service: Serving others in the community as a reflection of God’s love and faithfulness.
Sharing Testimonies: Telling others about the ways God has been faithful in your life, encouraging them to trust in Him as well.
Studying Scripture: Delving into the Bible to understand more about God’s promises and His faithfulness throughout history.
Living a Life of Obedience: Striving to live according to God’s commandments as a way of honoring His faithfulness.
The unchanging nature of God provides us with a firm foundation in an ever-changing world. We can find comfort and strength by remembering and celebrating His mighty deeds. Let us continually give thanks to God for His faithfulness and live lives that reflect His love and grace.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unchanging faithfulness and love. Help us to remember Your mighty deeds and to live lives that honor and glorify You. May we continually seek Your strength and share Your goodness with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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