Be Thankful for God’s Greatness
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; proclaim his deeds among the peoples.
Psalm 105:1 (CSB)
Psalm 105 urges individuals to reflect on the Lord's deeds throughout history. Remembering these events allows us to rejoice in the Lord and celebrate His unwavering faithfulness to His people and His promise-keeping character. In times of pain, struggle, anxiety, or doubt, recalling the Lord’s greatness and His past actions offers significant encouragement to press on in our lives.
Praise in Proclamation (1-5). The Psalmist encourages us to declare the Lord's marvelous deeds and unwavering faithfulness. Each act of proclamation presents a chance to worship the Lord. We celebrate God's greatness through His sacrificial work and triumph over sin. We find joy in the Lord for His immense strength and extraordinary deeds. Recall the remarkable works the Lord has accomplished and declare His greatness.
Promises and Fulfillment (6-11). The Psalmist highlights God’s covenant with Abraham and His unwavering faithfulness. God faithfully upholds His promises. Although Abraham was not flawless, the Lord's commitment to the covenant remained steadfast, even during Abraham’s moments of straying. This covenant with Abraham foreshadows the greater covenant fulfilled in Christ, which offers eternal life to all who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. As recipients of this covenant, we place our trust in God's promise-keeping nature, celebrating the truth that He is indeed a promise-keeping God.
True Protection (12-22). Israel confronted numerous foes who were larger, stronger, and more militarily advanced. Despite this, the Israelites witnessed the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. They existed under the Lord's protective wings, with God fighting on their behalf and granting them victories. We celebrate today because the Lord still combats for us. As His children, we are assured of true protection. While this does not imply a life free of pain, it guarantees us certain victory.
Power and Deliverance (23-36). The Psalmist reflects on Egypt to emphasize God’s power and deliverance. The Israelites endured oppression from the world’s mightiest nation. This nation's strength felt overwhelming, likely causing despair about their chances of freedom. However, the Lord demonstrated that His power knows no bounds, far surpassing any earthly authority. Through His strength, He blessed the people and freed them from slavery. Neither sin nor death can withstand God's power. He offers liberation from the bondage of sin. As we recall our deliverance, we should rejoice and proclaim God’s power and salvation.
God’s Presence and Care (37-45). The Psalmist uses the story of deliverance to remind us that the Lord rescued His people and did not forsake them. He walked alongside them, providing for their needs. Similarly, the Lord accompanies us in our deliverance, never abandoning or forsaking us. He consistently invests in our lives by caring for us. As we reflect on His past presence and actions in our lives, we have every reason to rejoice in the present.
QUESTIONS
In what practical ways can we actively remember and recount the deeds of the Lord in our everyday lives?
How can knowing that God protected Israel in their adversity apply to challenges we face today?
