Join the Choir of Thanks!

“At the dedication of the wall they sought the Levites, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.  The sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages…

“Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall… After them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah… and certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets..; with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.  At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east.

“The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall,  and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.  So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God… And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader.  And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:27-28,31-32,35-40a,42c-43

The rebuilding of the wall under great duress and opposition was finally complete. The Lord had provided supplies, protection, and stamina. There was much reason to give thanks, so leaders Nehemiah and Ezra made it happen in a grand, meaningful way. The joy at all God had done welled up to melodious, unrestrained praise.

Giving thanks with deliberation, attention, and responsive joy is a vital part of spiritual life. We own innumerable spiritual riches, and receive new morning mercies and blessing upon blessing every day. God provides ongoing, generous wisdom, inspiration, and peace. What selfishness causes complaint instead? How will we make praise to this good and gracious Lord a daily rhythm? (Psalm 34:3; Lamentations 3:22-23; Ephesians 1:3; 5:19-20)

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

How infectious is our praise? How far will our song be heard?

“Thou that hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.

Not thankful, when it pleaseth me;
As if thy blessings had spare days:
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise.” ~George Herbert (1593- 1633)

Worthy Lord, with whole soul and voice may I ever sing Your thanks and praise.