Psalm 147:16-20

“He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!” vs. 20

As we begin a new year, some are putting together short lists of their resolutions…a few may even be so bold as to share them. They do seem more credible when they’re put down where others can see your intentions. A resolution kept to oneself will likely be the first one broken. We don’t know the time of year when the psalmist was writing but he used the occasion to offer praises to the Lord for all the special blessings that had been given to his nation. He honestly believed that no other country was so favored. Israel was special! Some have that feeling about the United States, that we are a nation favored by God–we even hint at that in our pledge of allegiance. While it’s unlikely that we hold that position in the heart of God it is certainly true that our country has been blessed with material abundance. It would be wonderful if we could use those resources for the good of all instead of hoarding them for ourselves. The psalmist believed Israel was special because they knew the ordinances of God–they knew how God wanted them to live. They were to be a blessing to the world. Perhaps that could be our collective resolution this year–that we would look not just to our own needs but to the needs of others, in a generous and helpful way! 

Thought for the Day: What will 2020 be like for the USA?