Psalm 89:15-16 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.

This is a beautiful statement of the blessings of fellowship with God, but it is very interesting to consider it in context. This Psalm is a celebration of Israel’s covenant blessings from verse 1 through verse 37, but then from verse 38 it makes it clear that it was written at a time when Israel was in dire straits. That makes the faith expressed here all the more poignant. I am reminded of the magnificent declaration of faith in Habakkuk 3:17-19. Such saints had discovered that God is still faithful and to be trusted regardless of what might be going on around them. We could all use more of such faith!. This passage extends the statement of faith to God’s people as a collective blessing. It brings to mind America’s Thanksgiving celebration, just passed. It was originally conceived as exactly what this passage is talking about, a “shout of joy” in appreciation of God’s blessings, and was recommended to the whole nation by George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and others. When Lincoln declared Thanksgiving, the nation was reeling from the bloodiest conflict in American history, but like Habakkuk, he chose to focus on the faithfulness of God. We would do well to do so today! There is much to discourage and depress us, but God has not changed, and the better we remember that, the more peace and joy we will have.

This of course applies to me personally, as it applies to this church and to every part of God’s people. Yesterday I had a magnificent reminder of God’s faithfulness, but my faith should not waver whether I see such things or not. My focus is to be on walking in obedient, grateful fellowship with my Lord, knowing that He will allow nothing in my life that can’t be of ultimate blessing to me and to others, for His glory. There are indeed times when the journey isn’t so pleasant, but my focus is to be on Him and where He is leading me, so that I won’t lose the “shout of joy” and the peace that goes with it.

Father, thank You indeed for Your faithfulness. When I am focused on that, everything else is more enjoyable! Seeing what You did yesterday, I was prepared to receive and rejoice in everything else the day held, and I have great expectations for what You are going to do today. Help me be faithful in my obedience so that I won’t fail to transmit Your love and grace to those around me as You intend, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!