Playlist: Happy Songs — Thursday
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. (NLT)
I mentioned in Monday’s devo about our ability as believers under the New Covenant to see the Old Testament through the reality of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Today’s verse is another great example of scripture’s breadth. Jews hearing and repeating the psalms would have understood this verse as a directive to return to the temple in Jerusalem for worship. But Jesus’ death and resurrection forever gave access for ALL to worship—Jews and Gentiles. It would have been unthinkable for a Gentile (a non-Jew) to enter the temple gates, let alone the inner courts! But now, Gentiles can read the verse with confidence knowing the Father invites everyone to enter. It’s up to us to gratefully acknowledge His invitation and respond with hearts full of praise!
I know I am prone to worship (express gratitude to God) based on my circumstances or state of mind. But I am so thankful that God’s love for me isn’t circumstantial! It isn’t based on how I behave or what I think. God simply chooses to love. We have a choice to make as well. We must choose gratitude until we are grateful. We must choose love until we are loving. When we choose to worship despite our circumstances or feelings, we will become worshipful. The Father deserves our praise, not just for what He has done, but simply because He is good. Over and over, this phrase is repeated in the psalms: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 106:1, 107:1, 118:1, 136:1-3).
We only need to look back at the creation of man to realize how important gratitude is. For Adam and Eve, ingratitude ultimately changed their (and our) relationship with the Father. And gratitude is the best defense against pride. A thankful life is a whole and peaceful life.
Thursday’s Reflection
What are you noticing about your level of gratitude at the moment? If there’s some resistance, you can ask, as David did, for the Father to align your heart and renew your spirit. Choose gratitude today, even if you’re not feeling particularly grateful.
