A life of Gratitude.

Bible Reading: Psalm 116:1-19

If we are alive today, it means the Lord has saved us from so many calamities, unseen and unknown to us.  The psalmist describes some life-threatening situations in this Psalm:

“The cords of death entangled me” (v.3)

“I was brought low, and He saved me” (v.6)

“You have delivered my soul from death” (v.8)

The psalmist began his song with the simplest expression of grateful love.  

He had a great love for Yahweh because the Lord had answered his prayer when he was desperate.  His allegiance, love, and prayer would always be to the One who inclined His ear to his prayer!  And his question, “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” caught my attention! 

The question we have to answer today is, how can we express our gratitude for all the goodness we have received from the Lord?

In the Old Testament, wine was used in sacrifices as a drink offering, poured out with grain and oil for daily, festival, and special offerings (Exodus 29:40). To ‘take up the cup’ means publicly acknowledging God’s saving help.   The Psalmist offers thanks in the presence of all His people. Genuine gratitude does not remain private.  It finds expression in testimony, worship, and obedient living.  When we tell others what God has done and live as His servants, we give Him glory!

The psalmist says he would come to God’s house to celebrate His saving act with gratitude.  Expressing gratitude is worship, not repayment for the goodness received.  The psalmist wisely considered why God had been so good to him instead of why he had problems.  He knew that problems were common to all men, but the benefits often only belonged to those who trusted God.

Thanksgiving leads to a relationship. Calling on the LORD means returning to Him in prayer, worship, and public confession.  It is a declaration that the God who helped us before is the God we will rely on again.  

Gratitude, then, is not a momentary response but an ongoing life of faith.

My friend, gratitude drove the psalmist to consider what return he could make to the God who had so generously shared His benefits, making the psalmist like the one grateful leper among the ten Jesus healed (Luke 17:12-19). And that is the lesson for us today.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I have nothing to give that could match Your mercy.  Teach me to express my gratitude by trusting You, proclaiming Your goodness daily, and calling on Your name with joy.  Amen.

 

---