PSALM 100

A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD, He [is] God; [It is] He [who] has made us, and not we ourselves; [We are] His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, [And] into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, [and] bless His name. 5 For the LORD [is] good; His mercy [is] everlasting, And His truth [endures] to all generations.

PSALM 100:1-5

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Although gratitude gleams from many parts of the Psalms, Psalm 100 stands out. It is the only psalm whose original Hebrew title calls it a “Psalm of Thanksgiving.” There isn’t a single sad note to be found in the whole thing. No one knows who wrote it or on what occasion Israel sang it. But it gives such insight regarding the giving of thanks and praise that it is a “go to” Psalm for many Pastors preaching Thanksgiving messages.

So often we are quick to meditate on the negative things happening in our lives or express our frustration with life, but how often have we taken time just to be grateful to God for the many wonderful and abundant blessings we have in our lives? I try and practice a healthy amount of gratitude in my life. God really has blessed me and my family and I don’t want to take it for granted! I want God to get all the praise, honor, and glory that He deserves because He is worthy!

Gratitude and glory go hand in hand. “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever” (Revelation 4:9). Indeed, Ingratitude or not being grateful to God is at the root of rejection God and has earned the the wrath of God against sinners, “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify [Him] as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21).

Gratitude and Thanksgiving go a long way in reminding ourselves that we didn’t make it on our own (Psalm 100:3). We are not self-made. We are God-made! We aren’t saved by our merits, but by God’s work on our behalf. Today the challenge is to carry an attitude of gratitude.

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for your amazing grace on display in all of my life. You have been so good to me. You are better to me than I deserve. I thank you for my family and my friends. Thank you for the opportunities you have placed before me. Thank you for your unfailing love and grace that pervades my existence. I am humbled by your kindness to me. You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! Please guard my heart from in gratitude. May I always walk in contentment provided by The Holy Spirit so that I might glorify you in all I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.