Thankfulness and Truth

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:17-18

Scripture affirms that the hearts and minds of God’s followers should be noticeably different from those unacquainted with the community of faith (Ephesians 4:1-6). Specifically, believers should possess a thankful heart, knowing that eternal salvation is available through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), and believers should possess a truth-seeking mind, knowing that this world is wrought with deception and lies (Hebrews 4:12-13). But there is often a temptation to seek happiness, joy, and meaning outside these core pursuits. Humanity is a fickle lot, and for some reason we are not easily satisfied with the one, true God, the God Who eagerly awaits the opportunity to establish and broaden a life-altering relationship with us. 

Such a disturbing reality was evident in Exodus 32. In this Old Testament biblical passage Moses was atop Mount Sinai receiving the divine worship-related instructions God was recording for His covenantal people, a people He single-handedly rescued from Egyptian bondage. Moses had been in communion with the Lord for several days. As the days turned into weeks the Israelites became restless. Even though God’s majesty was brilliantly displayed around the mountain (Exodus 19:18) the Hebrew people spiritually hungered for another. They grew inpatient and were anxious to rid themselves of God’s leadership. So they enticed Aaron, Moses’ brother, to fabricate some false gods. In the process, the Israelites momentarily traded fellowship with God Almighty for made-to-order idolatry, a golden calf at that. Clearly, the Hebrew people wanted a self-pleasing lifestyle, a lifestyle unconstrained. They wanted to be free from accountability. They wanted to be free of the consequences of mistakes and missteps. In short, they wanted a religious routine that was convenient, unconvicting, and shallow. 

Exodus 32 offers up a general lesson for us all: mankind tends to focus on that which we perceive we lack, rather than what we have actually received. In the Scriptural account of Exodus 32 God was right before the Hebrew people, but apparently His presence was not enough. Even today this temptation to veer away from the Lord is just as appealing and stifling to modern-day believers. Sadly, the longer we stare at the possessions, positions, and personality traits of the world the easier it is to fall victim to an entitled, discontented perception. But Psalm 145 reminds us that a thankful heart and a truth-seeking mind can combat egotism and carnality. In this inspirational Hebrew hymn, David highlighted several considerations that yield hope and encouragement. One, we have been given life by God (Psalm 145:9). Two, we have been given the Lord’s love (Psalm 145:13). Three, we have been given God’s light, signified by His guidance, guidance which has been canonized in Scripture (Psalm 145:17-18). 

Taking this all in, why do we, as God’s followers, dwell little on the aforementioned blessings and look to unmet wants for fulfillment? If we continually yearn for increased material prosperity, influence, fame, or fortune for our gratification goals  then we maintain the wrong vision. We need to gaze upon God’s great generosity and goodness. Too often, we make this world, this life, about us. But life is not about us; it’s about God. It’s about knowing God. It’s about praising God. It’s about trusting God. It’s about thanking God. It’s about turning away from falsehoods and embracing God’s doctrine. It’s about reciprocating God’s love, the love He first showed us. 

We are God’s creation, a creation that is a wayward and wicked bunch, and yet the Lord graciously tends to our needs, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. This irresistible understanding moved David to exalt the awesomeness of God in Psalm 145. God’s followers should take note of the tenor and tone that this song conveys. God’s character and faithfulness are the spiritual benchmarks, not our fleshly desires. Therefore, let us bask in God’s mercies and not search for anything, or anyone, else to consume the purpose of our existence. May we be engrossed in a thankful disposition and enamored with God’s truth.