Gratitude · November 24, 2023

Grateful

  Shout with Joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness.  Come before  Him singing with Joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His.      Psalm 100             

Scripture repeatedly says: to approach God with gratefulness.  This isn’t  about manners or thanking the Giver for His kindness–it’s a matter of Spiritual health.  Gratitude is good for us.  Saying “Thank You” is an antidote to any sense of entitlement or self-sufficiency that has crept into our hearts.  Expressing appreciation can serve as protection in our thinking or even a healthy reset.  It’s a way of acknowleging humble dependence on One greater than ourselves.  The One from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17).

Take a moment to read a couple of verses from God’s Word and ponder His perspective:

“Enter His gates with Thanksgiving, and His courtyards with praise.”  Psalm 100:4

Heeding the Psalmist’s counsel, we should aim to fill our minds with gratitude even as we’re on our way to spend time with God.  To that end, it’s helpful to develop a habit of counting our blessings and reviewing His remarkable attributes.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.”   Psalm 9:1

Keep in mind that God doesn’t lack anything, so He doesn’t need our gratitude.  But it does delight Him.  When you express why you’re  thankful for specific  things or experiences, God receives your thanks as an offering.  At the same time, doing so deepens your awareness and appreciation of His blessings.  Being grateful all year round is a healthy mindset all year!

Pause here and began to worship the Lord for His Faithfulness each day and throughout the year!   As you begin to, remember; Recalling how our Father has previously worked things for our good (Romans 8:28), we can confidently thank Him in any situation.  Expressing trust in what He has promised…even if we can’t yet visualize the blessing He’s got in mind- helps our faith to grow.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

                                          Be Encouraged Today!

 As you let go and believe Him.  In the mist of trials, voice your gratitude that God is with you and will provide a way for you.