A heart full of thanks
by Pastor Reid Matthias
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I will … praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness (Psalm 138:2a).
It’s quite easy to complain, isn’t it?
Standing in the line at the supermarket, I happened to overhear two people having a real chinwag about all the things that were wrong in their lives. As we moved forward towards the checkout, I found myself pondering whether voicing their disappointment about life actually made them happier. Or did it, in fact, hinder them from experiencing joy?
In the psalm, David praises God’s name for his unfailing love and faithfulness and God’s reminder that God’s promise is above everything else. Even though life did not always turn out as he wished, David gives thanks, sings praise and bows down to the Holy One who is faithful.
So what can we think about? Where do we find the thought pathways to a thankful heart?
The Apostle Paul gives us a way. ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Finally … whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.’
Neither David nor Paul are being naïve about the struggles that occur in life, but a thankful heart lifts us above to experience the joy of God’s promise in Christ Jesus.
What things do you express to your friends in the shopping line?
Thank you, Son of God, for helping me to see the things of life that give me joy. For my family, friends, life and breath, thank you. Amen.
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