GRUMBLES OR GRATITUDE
Grumbling is so often easier than gratitude. Heavens knows there is a lot to complain about in life. Tyrants, taxes, and troubles, whether temporary or permament, dog our steps. The practice of exchanging grumbles with gratitude takes, well, practice.
Psalm 136 was an exercise in practicing gratitude for Israel. The community would divide itself into a two parts. One side would proclaim the reason for the gratitude, something God had done to bless their lives, and the other side would respond with the phrase of praise.
The psalm can be easily divided into seven sections that provide for us a model, a list, of generalities for which we can offer praise to God. The following is what this might look like. Use the model when you worship in prayer either indivdiually or in a group. Be thankful for the specifics in your life suggested by the generalities of the titles. Gratitude is always the best attitude.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD
Psalm 136
GIVE THANKS FOR WHO GOD IS . . .
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.
His loving devotion endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His loving devotion endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His loving devotion endures forever.”
GIVE THANKS FOR HIS GIFTS . . .
“He alone does great wonders.
His loving devotion endures forever.
By His insight He made the heavens.
His loving devotion endures forever.
He spread out the earth upon the waters.
His loving devotion endures forever.
He made the great lights—
His loving devotion endures forever.
The sun to rule the day,
His loving devotion endures forever.
The moon and stars to govern the night;
His loving devotion endures forever.”
GIVE THANKS FOR HIS DELIVERANCE . . .
“He struck down the firstborn of Egypt.
His loving devotion endures forever.
And brought Israel out from among them.
His loving devotion endures forever.
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm.
His loving devotion endures forever.
He divided the Red Sea in two.
His loving devotion endures forever.
And led Israel through the midst.
His loving devotion endures forever.
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His loving devotion endures forever.”
GIVE THANKS FOR HIS GUIDANCE . . .
“He led His people through the wilderness.
His loving devotion endures forever.”
GIVE THANKS FOR OBSTACLES OVERCOME BY HIS POWER . . .
“He struck down mighty kings.
His loving devotion endures forever.
And slaughtered mighty kings.
His loving devotion endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites.
His loving devotion endures forever.
And Og king of Bashan—
His loving devotion endures forever.”
GIVE THANKS FOR HIS PROVISION . . .
“And He gave their land as an inheritance.
His loving devotion endures forever.
A heritage to his servant Israel.
His loving devotion endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate.
His loving devotion endures forever.
And freed us from our enemies.
His loving devotion endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His loving devotion endures forever.”
GIVE THANKS FOR CONSTANT REMINDERS OF HIS LOVE
THROUGH WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE DOES
“Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His loving devotion endures forever.”
