Doxology
Matthew 6:25-33
We use a lot of language in the church that we sometimes do not think often or much about its meaning. So sometimes we don’t think deeply about the words we use. Doxology fits into this category. Sometimes, we sing a doxology – one version goes like this:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures here and below
Praise God above the heavenly host
Praise God, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
It is an act of sung praise to God. It seems to me that it is praise to God growing out of a sense of thanksgiving.
As a friend reminded one time, there is much to be thankful for in this season as our celebration of Thanksgiving day approaches. But sometimes we forget to bring doxology along. At the same time, there is also quite a bit to be anxious about. All is not well in the world. We hear daily about the ongoing death and illness. There is no easy answer for resolving those issues. There are families struggling – struggling financially, struggling to hang on to a relationship, struggling with changes in relationships.
The Gospel text for Thanksgiving day that we heard a few moments ago reminds us that gratitude is not some simple, generalized orientation, but is properly gratitude to God who provides for our needs, relieving us of a consuming anxiety about material things. Jesus doesn’t say that we don’t or shouldn’t have to work to provide food, shelter, and clothing. Jesus’ instruction is not over-spiritualized or unrealistic. His point is that excessive worry does not solve problems, reach goals, or overcome difficulties. Instead, he points us toward the witness of creation. In effect he says, “Look around and see the glory of God!” If God cares for the birds and the flowers, is it not reasonable to trust that no less care will be shown to us?
This is a call to radical trust and single-minded service. This is a call to orient one’s life to the things God cares about, to orient one’s life to the reign of God not merely to the drudgery of daily existence.
Reflection Questions:
For what are you thankful today?
How will you celebrate this sense of thanksgiving? What song will you sing in praise to God?
How can you orient your life to the things God cares about most?