Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

Psalm 105.1-6

Dear Travelers,

This past Sunday evening the faith community which I pastor joined with another congregation from our community for a unique gathering. We joined together to give thanks the LORD, call upon His name in worship God and make known His deeds among the peoples.

The format was simple: worship, testimony, followed by more worship, more testimony, a closing song and a benediction. To say the evening blessed beyond expectation would be an understatement. The songs of worship set the tone for the evening, yet it was the numerous testimonies of young and old which the Lord used to breathe His blessing upon our assembly.

On Sunday evening, each of the numerous testimonies of thanksgiving was an opportunity to remember, celebrate and exult in the power of God. There is a reason the psalmist exhorts God’s people; “Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works!” Such moments are a tonic: a life-giving elixir to desiccated souls. With each declaration of thanksgiving, the water of life flowed freely into dry and dusty hearts. Every one in attendance found strength renewed as one by one, saints of all ages stepped into the pulpit to declare the wondrous works that He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He has uttered.

Whenever the Scripture commands us to remember, it also commands us to action. We remember the mighty works of God by declaring such good news to family and friends, neighbors and strangers. To remember the wondrous works He has done is to proclaim them to people near and far. A spiritual transaction takes place when men and women open their hearts to speak out publicly the marvelous deeds God has done on their behalf.

• Times of grief are transformed into vignettes wherein the presence of the Spirit is powerful enough to comfort the heaviest of hearts.
• Times of celebration are enriched by the laughter of the Son of God.
• Times of refreshing follow times when the family gathers together to encourage one another with true tales of God’s amazing grace.

One last thought. It is no accident that Thanksgiving is the prelude to Advent. So in our remembering to give thanks to the LORD, and as we call upon His name, let us be bold to make known His deeds among the peoples. For in the history of this world the greatest of His deeds is this:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

You think about that and Happy Thanksgiving.