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Thanksgiving: Miriam

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”¹

Most of us are familiar with the story of Moses in the Old Testament; from the time he was born, to the time he left Egypt and led the Hebrews out of slavery through the parted Red Sea. There is one ‘behind the scenes’ character, though, who rarely gets any attention. That person is Miriam, Moses’ older sister. Although she had a supporting role in Moses’ story, God saw her position with enough importance to make sure we knew about her. When God used ‘little brother’ to part the Red Sea to escape an angry Pharaoh, Miriam led the people in worship, and they sang and danced their way through the sea on dry ground in a show of Thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness. Exodus chapter 15 is dedicated to Miriam and the song she sang. I can imagine the emotions surging through the crowd as they saw victory ahead.

Freedom from slavery seems like a good reason to be thankful! However, the Hebrews still found reason to grumble and complain over their situation. They were unhappy with the road they had to travel to freedom and complained to Moses, “Why didn’t you just leave us in Egypt?” (Exodus 14:10-12). Miriam’s song was a timely reminder to them that God is faithful in all circumstances.

Earlier this month, we read about how we often use music to “express what our brain cannot put into words”. Miriam’s heart was so full of gratitude that all she could do was sing. There are times that we hear a song that expresses exactly how we feel, and it causes our hearts to swell and the tears to overflow. Without realizing it, our heart is pouring out gratitude to our Lord. Even in fear and brokenness we can find a moment to thank the Lord for not giving us more than we can bear. (1 Cor. 10:13) The Hebrew people had experienced more suffering than they could bear under Pharaoh’s rule, but when Miriam started to sing, they found themselves joining her with grateful hearts.

Whatever we might be going through today, remember that nothing is too big for our God – And for that, I am thankful!

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Lord, when I count the numerous blessings that you have poured over me, I know that the trials I face are not hidden from you. When I feel the weight of my burdens overwhelming me, help me to remember that you are still in control and ready to free me from the fear that has enslaved me. I lift my voice in a song of thankfulness for your mercy and unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Exodus 15:2.