Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
Psalm 107:1-2

I once heard popular spiritual writer Henri Nouwen say that our best gift to the world would be our stories. Perhaps you, like me, are taken aback by such a thought. We might think we do not have a story to tell. After all, I have not cured any disease, fought a great battle, negotiated peace, or written the great American novel. What story do I have to tell the world?

Then, one day I was moved by today’s scripture commanding believers to tell our story: “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble.”  I read that and remember the countless times the Lord has redeemed my life from trouble, so that the psalmist says, ‘tell the story!’  It is a story not about me, but about God and what God has done for me. I have plenty to tell!

It is significant that the ancient Hebrews did not have words for saying “Thank you,” preferring rather to say, “I will tell of your name.” In other words, I best thank you by telling others what you have done for me. Giving thanks had to go public, as people wanted to tell others. Thus, the psalmist David vows: “I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you” (Psalm 22:22).

Henri Nouwen was right! My best gift to you, or anyone, will be my story! The Lord has done wondrous things for me.  I am sure the Lord has for you!  Why not tell someone? It’s a great way to tell God “Thank you”!

A fellow traveler,
Tim