Devotional

Filled with Gratitude: Day 1

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.” –  Psalm 92:1-2

One of the many things I love about David is that almost all of the Psalms he wrote express thanksgiving and praise unto God. Though David fought many battles, struggled with depression and anxiety and spent most of His life being chased by his enemies, he never failed to regularly express thanks to God. We can learn much from David’s excellent example.

We should give thanks in all circumstances! Giving thanks in all circumstances is especially difficult while undergoing suffering. How can we be thankful when there’s something that hurts so much? We can give thanks in the midst of suffering because it is meant to enlarge our faith and shift our attention from all the things that are going wrong to the one that is able to turn around those circumstances for our good.

Why is it good to give thanks to the Lord?

  1. The act of giving thanks is appropriate and its effect is good. The act itself is appropriate because there is much, under all circumstances, to be thankful for fresh air, food, friends, family, good health, laughter – and above all else, the blessing of salvation and the assurance that there is coming a day when there will be no more death, sorrow or crying (Revelation 21:4).
  2. It is good to give thanks to God because it is to due to Him. All that we have is His gift to us; everything is from God. Thanksgiving reminds us of the many blessings we have received from God.
  3. God is glorified when we express thanks to Him (Psalm 50:23a). Praise and thanksgiving that is true honours God and is way more pleasing to Him than all other sacrifices we could offer.

This week I want to challenge you to give thanks to God even when it seems as though all odds are against you. Thanksgiving will readjust your focus. When you offer up praise and thanksgiving, the pressures and demands of daily life get lighter. Instead of having your mind distracted and burdened by the cares of the world, God and His goodness become the centre of your focus.

Question for reflection: Does your life truly express thankfulness to God or are you numbered among those who are living a life of ingratitude?

Respond:

  1. As you reflect, listen to the song ‘Forever‘ done by Michael W Smith.
  2. Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for, and give thanks to God for them.

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