22^ndJune

“Praise the Lord; praise God our Saviour! For each day He carries us in His arms.”

Interlude

Psalm 68:19

Thanksgiving is such a great way to start the day. Thinking upon and remembering the goodness of all God has done for us, encourages us to exercise an attitude of gratitude in our lifestyles and as part of our daily devotion to God. It helps us to put God in the place He deserves to be in our lives. He truly does carry in His arms each day. He lifts our burdens and loads us with His goodness. He exchanges ashes and mourning for songs of praise and dancing. He is a good good God.

David also, in Psalm 68, reminds his readers of God’s redemption for the Nation of Israel from the hands of the Egyptians. He recalls when they were rescued from bondage in Egypt, fed in the barren dry lands, rescued from the surrounding chariots when Pharaoh realised he had made a mistake by letting the Israelites go free, (although it was God who was actually at work) saving them by parting the seas and then lavishing them with the wealth of their enemies.

It is only when we recognise God’s goodness in our lives, that when faced with trails and tribulations, we can find strength and courage to persevere through and not to give up. We can be assured that just as God has helped us in the past, so He will help us in the future.

It’s so great to see the ‘selah’ or ‘interlude’ and the end of this verse. It is almost like David is saying to his readers, just pause. Just take a second to really think about Gods goodness. Think about the times He has helped you and thank Him, praise Him. Think about the times He has carried your burdens, remind yourself of the times when He has saved you, remember the moments He carried you in His loving Fatherly arms… Now go, and live a life of thanksgiving, making sure others know how good our God is.