Revd Sara’s Reflections – Rejoice, Give Thanks Psalm 144: 1-4 1 Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. 2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. 3 Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? 4 They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.
REFLECT From cave to courage. From darkness to declaration. Psalm 144 is a significant turning point. This declaration of praise was most likely written by David near the start of his reign as King and it reflects a marked shift in his mindset and emotional state. We’re hearing from a rescued, renewed man. God has carried David through a season of trial and significant spiritual formation and now, David’s attention is on defending and prospering the nation of Israel. His experience of God’s faithfulness in his life has spilled over into an outpouring of worship and wholehearted confidence in the Lord’s ability to bless and fortify the nation against their enemies. In moments of breakthrough, answered prayer and God’s intervention, how good are you at intentionally worshipping and celebrating? So often in our lives, the Lord proves himself to be a firm foundation, a fortress and a kind provider. But yet, so often we mindlessly forget to mark moments of change with thanksgiving and praise. This Psalm reminds us to celebrate well – to worship and to raise our faith for the future. God is mindful of us and while we are allowed to go through seasons of trial we will also walk-through seasons of great blessing. So, like David, let’s be sure to celebrate well.
RESPOND Think through moments of answered prayer in your own life. Have you ever properly given thanks to God for his work? Or did you just smile, move on and forget? Perhaps today you can take some time to listen to worship and to think back through a ‘highlights’ of answered prayer in your life. Alternatively, why not speak to close family or friends about those stories. Reminisce as a way of stirring up worship and celebration again. love and prayers Revd Sara
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