God Speaking

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures for ever.”

(Psalm 118: 1)

I have just reached a milestone in my life, I have now turned 90, and whenever we reach different major times, reflections about what has transpired before floods our minds, we begin to remember where we were before and compare to where we are today. Every life has ups and downs, but as I looked back, I realized that once I became a firm believer in Jesus Christ, the Lord had always been right there beside me despite what I was confronting, and I was filled with gratitude for his love that endures forever so I stopped and thanked him for his everlasting love that I had experienced again and again. 

The Psalmists knew how important it was to remember to give thanks to our Heavenly Father and many of the psalms have this theme many, many times. 

David’s beautiful psalm of praise and thankfulness is found in Chronicles, he begins…

“Give thanks to the Lord and call on his name.” (1 Chronicles 16: 8)

Then he shows us how to do this…

“Sing praise to him, sing praise to him, tell of all his wonderful acts.” (1 Chronicles 16: 9)

It is an amazing psalm to read in full 

Paul when he is writing to the Thessalonians urges them and us to remember to give thanks no matter what is happening 

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)

Sometimes that can be very hard when we are overwhelmed with anxiety, grief, broken relationships, loss of income, but it is amazing if we try hard to find even a small reason to be grateful, it can lift our spirits and gives us strength to keep going. 

I love how Paul encourages the Philippians to do this, giving his own example. 

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4: 11)

He gives all the credit to being able to do this, to the Lord and when we lovingly come to the Lord with grateful hearts, we also will find strength to keep going. 

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4: 13)

Another wonderful way to use gratitude, is towards others, we may love the way our family cares for us but telling them how grateful we are for their love lifts everybody up and when our friends or even a person you don’t know very well, does a kind act for you, telling them that you are grateful brings joy for them. 

Psalm 100 is a lovely way to start a morning prayer 

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise him.” (Psalm 100: 4)