Title: Loved, Safe, and Thankful
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Psalm 118
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
Out of my distress I called on the LORD;
the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
The LORD is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
All nations surrounded me;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
They surrounded me like bees;
they went out like a fire among thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
Glad songs of salvation
are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
the right hand of the LORD exalts,
the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the LORD.
The LORD has disciplined me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we pray, O LORD!
O LORD, we pray, give us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God,
and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
up to the horns of the altar!
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever! (ESV)
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Jed Gillis explores Psalm 118, focusing on the steadfast love of God, the righteousness He provides, and the refuge He offers. The psalmist begins with a call to give thanks, grounded in the enduring and loyal love of God—a love that combines deep emotional delight with unbreakable commitment. This love, described as “hesed,” is not earned by human merit but flows from God’s goodness.
Gillis emphasizes that righteousness, as highlighted in the psalm, signifies a right relationship with God, made possible through Jesus, the cornerstone of salvation. True gratitude springs not from entitlement or self-righteousness but from recognizing our need for God’s grace and taking refuge in His love. Taking refuge is an active trust in God amidst distress, where believers find both safety and joy.
The psalmist’s declaration, “This is the day the Lord has made,” celebrates God’s perfect plan of salvation, reminding believers that every day is filled with His loyal love. Gillis calls listeners to embrace this love personally, take refuge in it, and overflow with gratitude, making Thanksgiving distinctly Christian. True thankfulness is rooted in the assurance of God’s enduring love, found through Christ.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
