#DailyDevotion Give Thanks To The LORD For All His Mercies

Introit (Ps. 107:1–2, 41–42; antiphon: Ps. 107:8)

⁸ Let them thank the LORD for His goodness, for doing wonderful things for men. “Thank the LORD because He is good and merciful forever!” ² That’s what those should say whom the LORD rescued from the enemy. ⁴¹But now He lifts the poor from misery and makes their families like a flock. ⁴²The righteous are glad to see it, and all wickedness shuts its mouth

Glory be to the Father and | to the Son*

and to the Holy | Spirit;

as it was in the be- | ginning,*

is now, and will be forever. | Amen.

⁸ Let them thank the LORD for His goodness, for doing wonderful things for men.

Indeed, let us thank the LORD for His goodness for doing wonderful things for men. That is the direction of the theme for this Sunday. It is thought this Psalm was one sung as the Jews in exile from Babylon had come back to Judea. There are a number of things to give thanks for in the Psalm. He thanks Him for when they were wandering in the wilderness the LORD took care of them. The LORD made springs of water come up. He provided food in the wilderness. When they were imprisoned and in chains, they cried out to the LORD and He heard them. While the LORD certainly was humbling them because of their sins, when they cried out to Him for help, He delivered them.

The first verse is a bit of a refrain in the psalm, “Thank the LORD because He is good and merciful forever!” After telling us what the LORD had done, this refrain is sung. What we can tell from this and from the revelation of his name in Exodus 34:6 is that while the LORD is merciful, kind, gracious, forgiving and steadfast in His love, He also disciplines those who sin whom He loves. So the Israelites and the Jews go through cycles of trusting in the LORD and the LORD providing for them and them rebelling against the LORD and Him disciplining them.

The verses chosen for the introit to focus on in particular is verses 41 and 42. Here we see how the LORD lifts up the poor from misery and increased their family. This calls us to remember the widow whom Elijah helped and the widow who was trusting in the LORD who put in the offering box all she had. We should note, at the very least in times of persecution, we may not realize this until the resurrection. In normal times we can remember what another psalmist said, Ps. 34, “¹⁰ Young lions may be in need and go hungry, but those who go to the LORD for help have every good thing.”

We can remember the words and promises of Jesus, Matt. 6, “³³Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you, too.” As we look to Jesus for every good thing and for our salvation we join in the antiphon, “Let them thank the LORD for His goodness, for doing wonderful things for men.”

Heavenly Father, give us faith to wholly rely on you for every good thing, repenting of our sins and trusting in Christ Jesus for our salvation so we may receive also the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.