Today’s Psalm is a Psalm of active praise. The Psalmist tells us to praise the Lord. Praise Him with all that we are. With voice, with action, with everything. Of the best ways that we can increase our praise, increase our thanksgiving, and increase our heart for God is to be active in our praise. Today, name what it is that you are thankful for. Name God’s goodness and mercy. Name what God has done for you. Name it! And what we find, when we name these things, we find the more we name, the more thankful we are. Today, actively thank and praise our God. And you will find your heart even more thankful today.

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Good morning, and I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving! Whether you’re braving the Black Friday crowds or enjoying a well-deserved day of sleep, I wish you all the best. Today marks the end of our week-long journey through the Psalms of Thanksgiving, and I’m excited to explore the final Psalm with you—Psalm 150.

Titled “Praise for God’s Surpassing Greatness,” this Psalm calls us to action, urging us to actively praise the Lord. It is a beautiful reminder that one of the best ways to cultivate thankfulness is through praising God. Paul’s words in Philemon echo this sentiment—being active in sharing our faith helps us recognize the greatness we have in Christ Jesus.

As we dive into Psalm 150, we encounter a vibrant call to praise. The psalmist encourages us to praise the Lord in His sanctuary, for His mighty deeds, and according to His surpassing greatness. The psalm then presents a vivid array of instruments—trumpets, lutes, harps, tambourines, strings, pipes, and clanging cymbals—all joining in a symphony of worship. The repetition of “Praise the Lord” resounds throughout, emphasizing the exuberance of our praise.

In the context of Black Friday, where many find joy in being with family and friends rather than shopping itself, Psalm 150 resonates. Thanksgiving is a time of active thanksgiving, but it shouldn’t end there. The psalm encourages us to actively praise God—whether with our voices, instruments, or in service. Being active in praising God not only magnifies His goodness but also fosters a spirit of gratitude.

The psalm concludes with a powerful call: “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” It’s a universal call to worship, inviting every living being to join in the chorus of praise. This active participation in praising God reminds us of the abundant reasons we have to be thankful.

So, no matter where you find yourself today, take a moment to actively praise the Lord. Whether through your voice, your actions, or your service, let everything that breathes join in this anthem of gratitude. If you feel you have little to be thankful for, consider when you last gave thanks to God or served someone. Psalm 150 is an invitation to active praise, an antidote to a seemingly dry season of thanksgiving.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week of exploring Thanksgiving in the Psalms. Starting Monday, we’ll delve into Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament that point to the life of Jesus. We’ll kick off with Isaiah 53, one of my favorite references to Jesus in the Old Testament.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Have a wonderful weekend, and if you’re able, I’d love to see you at St. Matthew’s on Sunday. Until then, take care, and see you on Monday!