I remember a long time ago when I was the "boss lady" at a small business. I was doing everything I could to keep the place running smoothly. Everything in my limited power. I was so busy that I didn't even notice that the crew was spreading rumors about me. What I did know, was that I was having a hard time getting people to have a decent attitude and get their work done without complaining. But I had no idea that there was such bitterness and betrayal brewing.
Then one day the CEO came into town to have a surprise meeting. I didn't know anything about it until he walked through the door and called the meeting. He revealed the rumor that was being spread about me... while everyone looked on as I was shocked to my core and overtaken by betrayal and humility. I've always thought of myself as a pretty moral person... the false behavior that was being rumored was far from moral. My boss revealed the lies in this manner to prove my innocence and to shame those that were hurting me and our working relationship. There wasn't a shadow of a doubt that the accusations were false when the crew saw my reaction to the "news."
I felt unjustly treated. Betrayed. It was extremely difficult and emotional. In fact, we had to re-staff almost entirely, due to the employees' pride and not wanting to accept their wrong and apologize. The verse that I clung to during those days, weeks, and months after that humiliating time was Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." And God did work through those difficulties and bring goodness. Mostly, He began a good work in me. In hindsight I can see that it was the beginning of a rather long training program that God has been taking me through to shape me into a more compassionate and understanding leader.
What does all this have to do with thanks, you say. Psalm 95 is a call to worship the Lord and it contains a sharp reminder that Israel's sense of security under God's rule is justified only if they prove themselves to be God's loyal and obedient servants.
"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Psalm 95:2
In my office story the staff was far from loyal and obedient. Not that I am worthy of the honor of God by any means... but what I am trying to illustrate is that they lost their security, their jobs, because of their being disloyal and disobedient.
Moving on... I love the word extol. It's so powerful and right for our Sovereign Lord. It means to lift up, to praise highly, to glorify. When I looked it up I found the word 11 times in the NIV.
Who should extol the Lord?
It is we, all you peoples, your saints, and O Jerusalem.
How should we extol the Lord?
With music and song, with my mouth, with all my heart, at all times, for ever and ever.
Why is the Lord to be extolled?
For His work and because He rides on the clouds.
Yes, He rides on the clouds! He is the Almighty! And He, indeed, brings both sun and rain from behind those clouds. It is our job to praise Him and extol Him even through the rain. The song, Bring the Rain by Mercy Me says it so well:
And I know they'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise you
Jesus, bring the rain
Bring the Rain by Mercy Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSypzOZmWgM
What I'm learning, through this life and God's grace, is that I am given much more opportunity to grow closer to Jesus during the rainy seasons than in "pleasant weather." If that's what it takes to know Him and praise Him more... I guess I'll take the rain... cuz one day my reward waits among those clouds.
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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