the occupation of praise

SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 16
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the Lord, for “his faithful love endures forever.” [1 Chronicles 16:41]
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” [Mark 5:18-19]
What a job description – Heman and Jeduthun’s job is to constantly give thanks to the Lord, to keep before the people how His faithful love endures forever – what a cushy job. Or is it?
Think about the job requirements, as well as the job hazards.

At first you can think of things be thankful about, but after a while it starts to get repetitive.
And you always have to do it, even when you are not feeling thankful.
Think about the people you are reminding, when you are going on about how great God is, and they are not feeling it.
To top it all off, to do this with endurance you have to believe it – and there will be times when you don’t believe it.
God is good – when my son is facing a rare, incurable blood disorder?
God is kind – when a little neighbour girl was violently raped?
Thank God – when our community has been devastated by a horrific earthquake?

Jesus sends us out, like He did the man He healed, to tell people everything that the Lord has done for us.
This requires knowing what He has done for us, constantly repeating it to others (even if they don’t want to hear it), and persevering even when we don’t experience His goodness.
We are commissioned, we are sent, we are witnesses! A cushy job?
Not only is it a calling, it is good for us.
It is a form of spiritual warfare, battling against Satan’s lies who is constantly trying to get us to doubt God, deny God, give up on God.
When it seems hardest is when it is most important to remember His love.
Like David we need to build up our ‘praise and thanks’ reserves, so that when the time of testing comes, we have something to draw upon.
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. [1 Chronicles 16:8]

PRAYER:
Lord, Your love endures forever… but my confidence does not. Help me to build myself up in Your goodness, so I can stand firm in times of doubt.