Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

² Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
    those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, Psalm 107:1-2

This week I’m going to spend some time in Psalm 107. This praise song was written after the Israelites return to Jerusalem from their Babylonian captivity of 70 years. The walls of the city and the temple were rebuilt and they were resettled in the promised land. As a people, they had much to thank God for and remember. In remembering, we can put into perspective the happenings of our life and gain a greater measure of thankfulness towards God. Moses repeatedly told the Israelite to remember what God had done. When we don’t, we are prone to live in the here and now forgetting the impact and influence of our loving God. By not remembering, we are prone to wander and get caught up in our daily lives centering our lives around ourselves.

The Psalmist begins this psalm with the reason for giving thanks is because of God’s character. He is loving, good and eternal! Only God is eternal and filled with immeasurable goodness and love. God’s love is not fleeting it is enduring. No matter what God will continue to love us. The Greeks used the word agape for this kind of love. Unending, unconditional and not subject to changing or diminishing. We know what human love is as we have experienced it with our loved ones and friends. It is fickle and changes with circumstances. God’s love is not like human love for it is embodied in His character and is good and eternal. That fact should and does give me reason for hope. I can depend upon God. He is unchanging. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Thank you God for your unfailing, unchanging and eternal love for me!

I also love the second verse where the psalmist emphasizes the need for each of those who love the Lord to speak up and tell their story. The ESV translates the first line this way: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Are you so in love with Jesus, so thankful for Him and His work in saving you that you are willing to tell others? Moses told the Israelites to remember what God had done and that is what the psalmist is saying. God has been good, has blessed, has showered you with love and kindness =TELL SOMEONE! Why would you keep it a secret? God’s goodness testifies to His character and love for you. Be proud and brave-say something to those around you. Praise His Name night an day!!

A truth to claim with thanksgiving: I am a personal witness for Christ. Witnessing, telling others about God and what He has done in your life and the redemption and salvation in Jesus, is our great privilege’s as one loved and redeemed by Jesus. Acts 1:8 tells us that the power to speak of Him comes from His indwelling Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Romans 10:17 says for someone to know Jesus they have to hear- so we have to speak up! “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Paul also wants us to know that telling others is a blessing indeed! Romans 10:15 “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

May you reexamine your speech today and salt your words with praises. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” If you are one redeemed and loved by Jesus, you need to speak up and tell others of the eternal love and goodness of our God.

Linda