A Thanksgiving Psalm

 by Larry Lindow

To You alone who’s worthy.

We give You all the glory.

You wrote the “Old, Old Story”.

Our Savior sent from glory.

Our Father up in Heaven,

We thank you for your lovin’.

You cared to cleanse our leaven

And purify our livin’.

Through Jesus Christ our Savior,

One only can find favor.

Exalting praise we will endeavor

‘Til we live with Him forever.

The knowledge and the work of the color commentators in particular amazes me as they have studied so much background and give you so many stories about the players that make the game more exciting and sometimes meaningful.

Just imagine with me though if God was to color commentate our worship service.  ( I do want to let you know that all of these illustrations are made up with no one in mind,  but you can put yourself in one of these places and think about what God would say about your part in the worship service.)   I will pick on myself first,  as the pastor speaks he takes a pause and God begins to fill in the background.  He may say folks, "This man has worked hard this week praying and studying My Word, he has sought the leading of the Holy Spirit as he has prepared this message." or he could say, "This guy is very self focused today, He is hoping that everyone here likes him and is trying to please each of you, but in doing this he is failing to consider what the Holy Spirit really intended for you."

How about the musicians or the song leader?  As the music begins we hear God in the background, but what is he saying,  "These individuals are here to serve the group today their desire is to help each of you focus on me!"  Yet to others he might say, "Our musicians today are working to get your attention and your applause.  Their here to get your attention and keep it rather than be a channel for you to see me more clearly.

Bob in the back row begins to sing along.  God comments, "Bob is saying the words of the song today and it looks great to everyone, but his mind is stuck on his trials that he is facing.  These circumstances are stealing his joy and not giving him the freedom to take part today."

Fred leads in prayer and God says, "Fred here has spent much time this week seeking my face, praying for each of you, asking for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of individuals during todays service.  This public prayer is just a small representation of his private prayer life."

God continues "Rita is here today listening intently as she has prepared herself for this time asking Me to help her focus on the clear teaching of My Word.  She spent time already this week reviewing the passage from previous weeks and begining to meditate upon the passage that is being taught this morning.  Her desire is to truly know me more and draw closer during this time."

Across the aisle Sandra is looking intently toward the pulpit and to all of us seems just as focused on the teaching, but God again adds His color as our Omniscient color-commentator who can read all of our thoughts.  "Sandra, " He say, "is mentally nowhere to be found.  She is thinking about her sports league this week and the argument she had with a co-worker yesterday."

Psalm 94:11a  "God knows the thougths of man"  Isa. 66:18a "For I know their work and their thoughts."  God always knows what we are thinking.  We may be able to fool those people around us, but we cannot fool God. 

As you prepare to meet with your church I encourage you to prepare your heart for your time with them and the Lord.  If you have some personal illustrations of how God might color commentate in your situation feel free to share to challenge and encourage the rest of us!

As Jack Buck used to say,  "Thanks for your time this time 'til next time, so long.."