Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanks and praise

The ultimate note which one sounds in worship is the note of thanksgiving and praise. This is how we are to relate to the Creator. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name."

The only truly proper response to the self-giving of the Lord is one of gratitude and joyful praise, because we are a community blessed by the presence of One who mightily rules, but also kindly reaches down to us. He creates a world beyond the reach of us, but also cares for each creature on earth. He shows faithfulness to all from the very beginning of time, but also extends steadfast love to us.

Our Lord is both a cosmic king and a simple shepherd, a mighty monarch and a caring creator, a God who is all-powerful and all-loving in an amazing mix of complementary characteristics. Is it any mystery that a soul in tune with this God will make a joyful noise of praise, thanksgiving and gratitude? No, not at all.