Friday, August 22, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 107:1–9, 43

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.

Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to an inhabited town;
hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress;
he led them by a straight way,
until they reached an inhabited town.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
For he satisfies the thirsty,
and the hungry he fills with good things.

Let those who are wise pay attention to these things
and consider the steadfast love of the Lord. (NRSVUE)

Reflection

This psalm reminds us to bear witness to God’s love. Where do you witness God’s love? How do you think God’s love is manifested today? Answers to these questions can be subjective and personal, depending on your circumstances, so I will not try to answer them for you.

Rather, I ask you, when was the last time you said “thank you” for a seemingly insignificant gesture?

I try to remember to say “thank you” to the bus driver as I leave the bus, and I try to thank my condo door staff every time they buzz me in, even though it’s part of their job description. Frankly, most of the time I don’t know if they hear me, but just in case they do, I thank them.

But, in a way, I’m a bit of a hypocrite, because I often forget to thank God. I take for granted and, therefore, forget to thank God for all the seemingly inconsequential gifts that God has given me. Gifted to me generously, unconditionally, and perhaps even when unmerited.

I often neglect to thank God for the privilege of my days on this earth. I take for granted the daily sunrise and sunset. And I forget that it is only by God’s grace that I have my health and faculties.

I’ve heard that the more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you are to have even more to express gratitude for. So, let’s all try to start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart. Let’s work on cultivating a thankful mindset, to be thankful for all that God has given us and to generously share our gratitude.

Prayer

Gracious and loving God, thank you! Amen.

Written by Toni Yang, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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