Gratitude Starts with Him

Thursday - November 25th

Scripture to Read Today: Psalm 100:1-5

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Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Think about what today represents. Our nation focuses on being grateful. Families will gather for a great holiday meal, to watch football, and simply to be together. Pollsters tell us that more Americans will gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving than they did last year. Over ninety percent of those surveyed say they will take a moment to give thanks in some way or another.

Many will express their gratitude to God. It may be one of only a handful of times in the last year they will even acknowledge His existence. Some will say thanks to the universe, whatever god may or not be out there, or to the concept of a higher power. Others will say thanks only to family and friends - leaving any hint of God out of their gathering altogether.

We who know Christ give thanks today to a God we know and Who knows us personally. He is not just a force, an idea, or a being out there somewhere. He is the God Who has known us in our sin and brokenness but chose to love us. He sent His Son to us to redeem us back to Himself. He cares about us. He knows us by name. He walks with us through the ups and downs of life.

Our gratitude today should reflect our deep connection and personal relationship with Him. I love how the Psalmist links the goodness of God we have personally experienced to our gratitude. "...Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever..." (Psalm 100:4-5). When we give thanks today, we start with Him - not our stuff. We praise His name. We share our gratitude for His goodness and love. Then, we give thanks for the lists of blessings He has given us. But we start with Him!

Take a few moments before you list your blessings to be grateful for God Himself. Think of the ways you have experienced His sweet goodness and His everlasting love. Let Him know that your gratitude begins with praise of Who He is, not just what He has done for you. As you start with Him, you will sense the floodgates of your heart opening wide. You will find yourself expressing thanks for things you would not have thought of otherwise.

May God bless you as you share your gratitude for and to your God today!