Psalm 100 and Thanksgiving

Psalm 100 is among the first verses that Jake learned and could recite in its entirety. I can remember like it was yesterday the Thanksgiving our entire family sat around the folding tables at the local fire station. Jake was maybe seven or eight. It was the first time the family had all been together since our oldest sister, Carol, had passed away.

As the planning for the meal progressed Jake came to me and asked if he could say Psalm 100. It would be a wonderful addition to our celebration of thanks and told him as much. As I penciled him in on the agenda you could see happiness spread across his face like a rising sun.

However, as Thanksgiving Day approached he began to get nervous. What if he messed up? What if he couldn’t remember it all? I assured him that God would not inspire him to share the scripture with the family and then not allow him to remember. It would be fine. That only placated him for a little while. I told him that he could take his Bible and read it if that would make him more comfortable. He agreed. Still he waffled all week. We prayed together and I would assure him he would do a good job. Finally, I told him it was his idea and his decision in the end.

As we took our seats around the table the noise so common among families who have not gathered in a long time died down. Each person began to say what we were thankful for; jobs, health, each other, friends. When it was Jake’s turn there was a long pause.

As everyone watched and waited, he slipped his Bible out from under his sweat shirt and stated quite firmly, “I am thankful that I don’t have to read this but that I want to read this.” The entire family sat silently as he read Psalm 100. He finished to rousing applause and amen’s.

It was his choice… for the first time he chose to suppress his fears, trust in the Lord, and share His Word. Being able to witness that time in my little boy’s life will always bring me joy and comfort.

My prayer is that as his deployment rushes in upon us that will always be the case. That Jake suppresses his fear, trusts in the Lord, remembers His Word, and shares it with others. Surround him, Oh God, with your protection, Your mercy, and Your Love. Let him always feel Your presence.

Psalm 100 “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” ~KJV~ (King James is still Jake’s favorite version of the Bible)