Psalm 40:1-11

“I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.” vs. 10

People of faith are sometimes reluctant to talk about the ways God has been active in their lives. It could be that they’ve known people who wear their faith on their sleeves and talk of little else–admittedly such experiences with the zealous can be wearisome. Or maybe they just don’t like to talk about themselves and are afraid of being perceived as braggarts. The psalmist had no such compunctions and in fact trumpeted before his entire community the many ways he had experienced the steadfast love of the Lord. He believed that this was the best way available for him to express his thanksgiving to God for all the saving graces he had received. Certainly it was better than any number of sacrifices or burnt offerings. As we now move into Epiphany, the season of light, it would be good for us to find inspiration from this psalmist. In our baptisms we were enjoined to “Let our lights so shine before others that they might see our good works and give glory to God.” That means becoming vocal about the happiness and joy that have come our way through living as servants of the Lord. There’s really no better way to evangelize that to let others get a glimpse of our faith life.

Thought for the Day: What could I share that might inspire others?