“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
Psalm 34:1-2
The language of the book of Psalms heartens me. When I read of the psalmist choosing to honor God, to sing to the Lord, or to show gratitude even in times of affliction, lament, or waiting, I am encouraged. The genuine worship we see throughout this book isn’t simply emotional highs; it’s also the raw, desperate calling out to God in deep valleys. And in each situation, the Psalms bring us to a place of coming into the Lord’s presence with great thankfulness.
In the New Testament we find language that similarly conveys gratitude and reminds us that thankfulness is something we practice. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are to be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20). We don’t wait until we feel grateful. We learn to trust God with what we cannot see and give thanks to the One who has given us our very life and breath.
Our thanksgiving and praise go hand-in-hand; adoration spills over from our immense gratitude to God for the gift of Jesus.
In the New Testament we find language that similarly conveys gratitude and reminds us that thankfulness is something we practice. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are to be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20). We don’t wait until we feel grateful. We learn to trust God with what we cannot see and give thanks to the One who has given us our very life and breath.
Our thanksgiving and praise go hand-in-hand; adoration spills over from our immense gratitude to God for the gift of Jesus.
Scripture Focus
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Insight
Father, help me to trust Your heart in every circumstance. May this trust show the world that You are worthy of our praise! Amen
Bible In A Year
- Esther 3-4
- Psalm 39
- Luke 2