Psalm 50:14-15 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
The other morning I was sitting in my little room having my devotions when I spotted a blue bird headed from the holly tree to the bird feeder. Then I saw another, and another. Before they all flew away, I counted at least a half dozen bluebirds! Although Mr. Bluebird didn’t exactly perch on my shoulder, the lyrics to Zip-a-dee-doo-dah quickly came to mind. “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay, my, oh, my what a wonderful day!”
The sentiment stood in sharp contrast to the terrible days many people I knew were experiencing. Serious health issues, marital struggles with bleak prospects of quick resolution, false accusations carrying life-shattering implications, and regular run-of-the-mill disappointments flooded my landscape. How could I sing a cheery tune when so many were hurting?
It’s easy to praise God on zip-a-dee-doo-dah days. Nothing sacrificial in thanking him for “plenty of sunshine headed [our] way.” Standing in the midst of a huge storm poses a different story. I think that’s why the psalmist calls for the “sacrifice” of “thank offerings.” When the harshness of life threatens to turn us upside down, we don’t feel very grateful. It’s a sacrifice to let go of our demands and choose to remain faithful no matter what. Yet, it’s a mindset that honors God and results in our deliverance.
There is nothing God allows to enter our lives that he doesn’t want to use for our good. When I got sepsis two years ago, it was clearly not a zip-a-dee-doo-dah moment. But as I look back on that experience, I see so much positive in the aftermath. It catapulted both my husband and me to a new depth of appreciation of our life together. We still can’t stop thanking God for the little nuances of everyday living. Our eyes more quickly recognize pockets of grace hidden in the struggles. We have more hope, more faith, more love.
So I think one of the best things I can do in the face of what seems like rampant difficulties is to praise God. Not for the circumstances. But for being with us in the midst of them…and turning them into something good.
It’s the truth, it’s “actch’ll”
Everything is “satisfactch’ll”