Psalm 9:1-2
I will tell of all Your wonders
God really wants us to tell about what He does in our lives.
God wants us to use language to tell others about Him. Why do you think this is so?
I will be glad and rejoice in You.
See how the faithful praise God, without hypocrisy? They don’t look to themselves for happiness and they don’t caught up in worldly things, thinking those things are what bring them joy and happiness… they know their joy and happiness comes from God. And they are careful to praise God for it.
I had a habit some years ago. I don’t know why I stopped but I want to re-cultivate this habit. Some think it is a silly habit. Some think it is misdirected but frankly, I don’t. I was in the habit of thanking God for every good thing in my life! When the mail came on time, I thanked God. When the dinner didn’t burn, I thanked God. When the dog was found and when the sun shone warmly…. I thanked God. Not only did I thank Him for the things you might assume thanks … like for babies getting well and money coming in, but for every good thing.
Why did I do this? There is a principle in God’s Word that tells us that God gives us perfect gifts and that everything He gives us is good. All good things come from God. Its that simple. And if my Father is so good as to give me good gifts, I want to thank Him, because therein is another principle for living: when I am filled with Thanksgiving, I am drawing near to God and I am worshiping Him in spirit and in truth.
John Calvin said, “He who begins his prayer by affirming that God is the great source and object of his joy, fortifies himself beforehand with the strongest confidence, in presenting his supplications to the hearer of prayer”
When we truly realize that God is the source of ALL our joy, we gain more confidence in prayer!
Where is your confidence today? What are your thoughts on being thankful?
About Sylvia
Love this article Sylvie!
Amen and amen!!
I think it cultivates learning to be thankful and passing it on to others.
It’s a beautiful witness and testimony not only to our family and friends, but to nonbelievers as well. I think it’s a “drawing” tool to unbelievers. Cultivates JOY in our hearts and spirits too.
Every GOOD thing DOES come from God!! We can’t HELP but be thankful and grateful to Him. Even for just waking us up this morning!
Boy is this timely for me! During this morning’s devotion I saw that we are told to rejoice in the Lord–not if and when we feel like it, but ALWAYS. It’s so easy to recognize ingratitude in others, but not so easy to acknowledge my own pity party! If God never gave me another blessing, I will have already received far more than I deserve; however, he continues to ravish me with His love and compassion, His mercy and loooongsuffering. I am so forgetful and often miss out on many of the things He has for me because my eyes are on the trials, rather than on Him. If only I would change my focus, my heart would overflow with thanksgiving~