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Daily Devotion: Psalm 50:14

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Psalm 50:14    "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High"

In the verses prior to these, the Lord was speaking to Israel concerning their ritualistic worship. They were apparently going through the motions, but their hearts were not bent toward God. He told them that He really did not need their bullocks and rams and lambs and other objects of sacrifice. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and does not need anything. I have often asked this question of myself, "Is it possible to go to the meeting house, sing songs, maybe even mouth a prayer, listen to words spoken by the preacher, and still not actually worship the Lord?"  

The purpose of this Psalm is for a self-examination concerning our walk with the Lord. He continually speaks of the Lord's judgment concerning His people. Yes, he speaks specifically concerning the people of God. "He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.  (5)  Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.  (6)  And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah." (Psalm 50:4-6)  Paul spoke concerning this subject also.  "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." (1 Corinthians 11:31)  

How do we go about judging ourselves?  Does judging simply consist of whether or not we are going through the correct motions? According to our text verses, the correct sacrifices unto the Lord begin in our hearts. "Offer unto God thanksgiving." Thanksgiving originates in our hearts that are filled with gratitude unto the Lord for His great love and mercy bestowed upon us.  I want to present the complete picture. "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High."  He is telling us to begin the sacrifices in our hearts but then let that expression of love and gratitude flow from our hearts through the actions of worship and praise.

The holiday of Thanksgiving is a festive occasion when family and friends gather together. We enjoy all the activities of the day including a wonderful meal with much love and laughter.  It behoves us to be certain that those festivities are grounded in hearts filled with gratitude unto the Lord.  I remind myself today that that day (and everyday) will be a time of offering praise unto our Lord with a heart filled with gratitude. He is worthy!

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