It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night. (Psalm 92:1-2)
In light of the previous devotion’s emphasis on the importance and purpose of Shabbat, let us consider that it is especially good to give thanks to the Lord on that day. Throughout the week we are preoccupied with the routine and, oftentimes, hassle of the work week. Sure, we should and can give thanks to the Lord on those days too, but it often proves difficult depending on what kind of day we are having.
Shabbat is different — that is, if we are allowing Shabbat to serve its’ purpose in our lives. On the weekly Sabbath, we are released from the bonds the weekday imposes upon us. On Shabbat, we are free to focus all of our thoughts, words and actions upon God’s goodness to us. Every seventh day we are reminded that all which exists in Creation is here for our benefit, gifted to us by a beneficent Creator. Is it not appropriate to pause from our daily pursuits and offer praises to the One who is the source for all good things?
Throughout the generations, He has shown Himself to be faithful to His people and it has further been established that the praises of His people move Him to act on our behalf. Therefore, every sunrise should inspire us to thank Him for sustaining us through the night; every sunset should provoke us to thank Him for allowing us to continue throughout the day. Likewise, every Shabbat is an opportunity to give homage and praise to the Lord and to acknowledge that He is, in fact, the Author of all things; as it is written, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). So as the psalmist said, it is a very good thing to thank the Lord for His goodness and to sing praises to His Name. Amen.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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