Thankful all the time

Psalm 107:1-3.

The Bible constantly encourages us to live in a habit of thanksgiving. But it’s not all the time we feel like singing or feel like being thankful. And certainly it’s not all the time our environment and reality present a reason to be thankful. So what motivates thanksgiving always, even in suffering?

The revelation of God’s character.

The Psalmist says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.”

The Psalmist is thankful that God is good; a character of God he has come to know. The revelation of God’s character births thanksgiving in us. The foundation of thanksgiving is knowing who God is. That’s it. If we don’t know who God is, we can never truly be thankful. And the reverse is also the case. The more we know, the more we’re thankful. The more He is revealed to our hearts, the more we’re thankful for who He is.

The redemptive accomplishment of God.

The Psalmist says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for…His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those He gathered…”

The other reason why we can be eternally grateful to God is the forever love that He has shown to us in Christ (John 3:16). The Psalmist goes on to express that this enduring love is the foundation of our redemption. He gathered us to Himself. Every time we reflect on the vastness of what God has done for us in Christ, it surely sparks praise in our hearts. John Newton: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! ”

So what motivates thanksgiving at all times, even in suffering? The revelation of who God is and a reflection on the vastness of the redemptive accomplishment of God in Christ.

Reflect & Pray

What character of God might you thank Him for? How might His work of redemption stir up praise to Him?

Thank You, Father, that You’re a Father to the fatherless. And thank you for choosing to redeem my soul, in Jesus’ name, amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Ps 107:1.

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