Practicing Psalm 107

The Psalms are replete with commands for us to praise God. I was recently reading Psalm 107, a psalm of rhythmic, repetitive thanksgiving. After reading, I attempted to use the psalm as a template for praising and thanking God for the life of our church. I encourage you to check out Psalm 107 for yourself prior to reading the content below, however it is important to note that the writer breaks up specific accounts of blessing with a repeated statement: “Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man!” I have done the same, including praises from our church within the bounds of the psalmist’s repetitive statement. The praises below are by no means exhaustive and are not ordered in any particular way, however I hope it helps to remind us of all that God is doing in our midst.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so (vv. 1-2a).

Thank You God for the Father— Our Creator, Sustainer, Author of salvation, Sanctifier.

Thank You God for Jesus— Our Emmanuel, God with us, Wisdom, Righteousness, Redemption, Advocate, Defender, Strength, and Hope.

Thank You God for the Spirit— Our Counselor, Convictor, Ever-Present Help. 

Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man (v. 8)!

Thank You God for the church— that in a time of social isolation and fear, You are expanding our local body of believers, inviting in new brothers and sisters. 

Thank You God that sweet and spunky Abel now lives with Tim and Katie.

Thank You God that Jamie and Michael had a precious little gal— Joanna, an undeniable grace from God.

Thank You God for fellowship and friendship, allowing for hearty laughter, the bearing of burdens, camaraderie, and accountability necessary for holy living.

Thank You God for new members— Abby, Morgan and Christy, Colton, Anna, Caleb, and Victoria.

Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man (v. 15)!

Thank You God for Your perfect Word that provides us with wisdom, insight, and hope in a time where truth and justice seem so uncertain. 

Thank You God for bringing Don, Karen, Josh, and Rory to Columbus to be with their families.

Thank You God for the daily grind in each of our lives, calling us to obedience and faithfulness, manifesting the glory of God.

Thank You God for the rhythms of Sunday worship — teaching, singing, sharing bread.

Thank you God for Christmas where we are how God came to earth to enact salvation.

Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man (v. 21)!

Thank You God for the promise of reunion with God and all things made right— no more sin, doubt, suffering, or pain.

Thank You God for community group dinners where conversation and delicious food is shared.

Thank You God for Your covenant faithfulness, steadfastness, and perseverance, seeing us, Your church, to the end. 

Thank You God for kids who ask insightful questions leading to conversations about Jesus and His Gospel.

Thank you God for discipleship, books, and learning.

Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man (v. 31)!

Thank You God for sustaining the friendship of Jessie, Ena, Charlene, and Annabelle, for bringing them from the other side of the country to worship with and serve alongside our church.

Thank You God for the hearts, minds, and mouths of tiny children singing the Doxology with enthusiasm.

Thank You God for willing hands to load trucks and chop vegetables to help Ethan and me prepare for our wedding. 

Thank You God for providing Catherine, Jessie, Ethan, and Quanishia with jobs.

Thank you God for our church family with gifts galore— fixing cars, installing washing machines, growing pumpkins, babysitting, baking bread, designing websites, hosting events — that have been used to bless one another.

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD (v. 43).