Focal Passage: Psalm 107:1-9, 33-38, 43
In this last of four lessons on the heart of worship, let’s examine gratitude as a habit of every believer. Simply defined, worship is expressing love to God. Having a thankful attitude toward God expresses love to Him.
Even those without a Christian worldview express gratitude. Upon conducting an Internet search for “reasons to be thankful,” 10 answers were suggested: Mother Earth, volunteers, freedom, work, public transportation, fresh food, family, friends, well-being, and happiness.
Focusing on the creation instead of the Creator, these reasons miss the Giver of all things.
Psalm 107 reminds believers that God has shown His goodness to us and that thanksgiving is a natural and essential element of worship. The psalmist instructs the reader, especially the redeemed, to give thanks. Those from every corner of the globe are to give thanks. Four times the psalmist proclaims we are to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and for His wonderful deeds for men. We are to praise Him even in the midst of calamity, rebellion, darkness and sorrow. He is with us. One should notice that praise is a prerequisite for being delivered.
We have so much to be thankful for both now and in the age to come – beyond what we can imagine or find words to describe. For the believer, we know that not half has been told of what God has in store for us in eternity. Francis Schaeffer once said, “The beginning of man’s rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart.” We have so much that sometimes we cannot see the great value of all God has given us. That is ingratitude.
Take note; be aware. Take inventory; count your blessings. Take action; act out your appreciation. Look for reasons to praise the Lord. Be thankful to Him. Show others your love for Him as you take action and serve others today.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15