“At midnight I will rise to give thanks to Thee because of Thy righteous judgments.” – Psalm 119:62
It’s worth noting that during some of the most difficult times in the lives of God’s nation, they appointed singers who would “praise and thank the Lord” on a fulltime basis. In the days of godly King Hezekiah, when idolatry, warfare, and apostasy were rampant, he ordered the idols of the land destroyed, then appointed the courses of the Levites to “to minister and give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord.” – 2 Chronicles 31:2
Ezra and Nehemiah, during the days of rebuilding the second Temple, when enemies were relentless in trying to stop them, appointed singers, with trumpets and cymbals, to praise the Lord… “And they sang together by turns in praising and giving thanks to the Lord, because He is good, for His mercy endures forever…” – Ezra 3:11. Later, Nehemiah did the same as they rebuilt the wall.
Singing is a display of triumph by the people of God. It is no wonder then that God calls us to be a thankful people… “Let the peace of God rule (be the umpire) in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body, and be thankful, all of you. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts toward the Lord. And whatsoever you do, in word or actions, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:15-17
May we triumph over the trials and enemies of our day by keeping our eyes on Christ’s victories, with a thankful heart.
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