Martin Rinkart served as a clergyman in Saxony, Germany in the seventeenth century. For more than thirty years during times of war and plague, which is very similar to our pandemic
Covid-19 today.
One year he conducted more than 4,000 funerals, including his wife’s, and at times food was so scarce that his family went hungry. Although he could have despaired, his faith in God remained strong and he gave thanks continually.
In fact, he poured his gratitude into “Nun danket alle Gott” the song that became the well-loved English hymn, “Now Thank We All Our God.”
He followed the example of the prophet Isaiah, who instructed God’s people to give thanks at all times, including when they’d disappointed God or when enemies oppressed them. (Isaiah 12:1) “In that day you will say: “I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.” (Isaiah 12:4) “In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.”
We might give thanks easily during harvest celebrations such as Thanksgiving, when we’re enjoying an abundant feast with friends and family. But can we express our gratitude to God in difficult times, such as when we’re missing someone from our family, struggling with our finances or when we’re locked in home to deal with the pandemic?
Let’s echo Pastor Rinkart, joining hearts and voices as we give praise and thanks to “the eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore.” We can “sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.”
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