Author: For the next four days, we’ll be Opening the Bible Together with Max Sahl*, CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia.
Reflection:
The interesting thing about this passage is the sentence; ‘Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind’. This phrase is repeated four times in Psalm 109. In fact, this psalm starts with a very similar exhortation, ‘Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.’ God is always there for his people, and he reminds them of all the times he has rescued them in the past. No need to be afraid. Instead, give thanks to God for his unfailing love, no matter what life throws at you.
Thankfulness is a crucial part of my walk with God. It is often a struggle and a discipline to have an ‘attitude of gratitude’. When I am thankful for what I do have, I don’t seem to be so anxious about what I don’t have. When I call out to God in my troubles, I know that he hears me. I also know that he is with me through difficult times, and I know that I can thank him in all situations.
‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of the one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.’ Col 3:14
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me a thankful heart. I want to count my blessings and thank you for them all. You are always with me and will never forsake me. You are a loving God who gives me a hope and a future. Father, may my lips only sing praise to you this day.
*Max and his wife Helen spent 20 years in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea supporting the work of Bible translation through teaching missionary kids and training national Bible translators. He and Helen raised four children during their time there and now work at the Wycliffe Australia National Centre in Melbourne.