Psalm 145:13-17
A famous rabbinic interpretation of the Torah imagines how Adam experiences the end of his first day on earth. Adam had never seen the sun go down. When he sees sunset at the end of the sixth day of creation, Adam grew frightened. What if it never comes up again?! What if the world will now be dark and cold? Adam began to weep and mourn. Then the sun came up the next day, and Adam said, “Surely this is the way of nature, and I did not realize it.” Adam then offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God. Adam worshiped and learned, just as we must, that,
• There is no sunrise without sunset
• There is no wonder of spring without a gray cold of winter
• There is no promised land without a journey through wilderness
• There is no homecoming without exile, and
• There is no resurrection without dying.
Adam learned what Thomas does. It is the way of God that there will be another day, another spring, another homecoming, another season of life in God’s presence. God is in charge of this old world and God keeps God’s promises.
Psalm 145 praises God’s faithfulness and compassion. God’s people sing these lyrics even as they remember defeat and exile. They sing “Thanks be to God!” for what God has done and will do. No matter the current situation they are assured of the steadfast love of their Creator. We can sing this praise as well. Thanks be to God.
Consider
When I think about the troubles of my life and our world, how likely am I to fret and complain? How likely am I to trust and praise God for what truly shall be?
Pray
God, give me a heart for praise and a voice for gratitude, that I might learn to sing in love for you all my days. Amen.