Thanksgiving in Tough Times #26

In Psalm 50 Asaph pictures God as the Great Judge. As people stand before Him, He does not want them to just try to appease Him with sacrifices that bring with them empty words and hardened hearts. He says in verse:

12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
    for the world and its fullness are mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
    or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Many people were bringing Him offerings and treating Him as if He should be thanking them for feeding Him, as if His blessings were something they were bartering for. It doesn't work that way. God did not need their sacrifices to eat; He did not want them to bring sacrifices so He could have dinner; He wanted them to bring them because He had already provided what they needed and because they trusted Him to continue to provide for and protect them, answering their prayers. The goal of the whole process was not for them to purchase grace or blessing, but to Glorify Him as the Great and Good God that He really is. Should we give God offerings? Should we give to those in need? Yes, but not to buy His favor; rather, to give Him thanks and praise.