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Psalm 92:1-2 - The Grace of Gratitude.

Psalm 92:1-2 (NLT) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. 2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening,

Psalm 92:1-2 (ESV) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,

INTRODUCTION

Thanks should be on our lips every day. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life changes. You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Grace Of Gratitude
   The Pilgrim Fathers who landed at Plymouth in America in 1620 knew nothing of the bountiful prosperity that so many people enjoy today. During that first long winter, seven times as many graves were made for the dead as homes were built for the living. Seed, imported from England, failed to grow, and a ship that was to bring food and relief, brought thirty-five more mouths to feed, but not an ounce of provisions. They caught fish, hunted wild fowl, and venison. They had a little English meal and some Indian corn.
   Yet their lives were marked by a spirit of constant thankfulness. On one occasion William Brewster, rising from a scanty Plymouth dinner of clams and water, gave thanks to God "for the abundance of the sea and the treasures hid in the sand."
   According to today's standards, they had little; but they possessed a sense of great gratitude. Gratitude is one of the greatest Christian graces; ingratitude, one of the most vicious sins. Ask God to open your eyes to all the blessings He has bestowed on you, and to give you a fresh spirit of gratitude - not just at this season of the year, but always.
   An ungrateful heart minimizes God's blessings and focuses on what is not provided.  The grace of gratitude is that we no longer see what is lacking and instead, are in awe that we've been given so much. [Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham]

COMMENTARY

You Act On What You Think About
   The Bible urges us to stay on the offense with our thought life. Harmful thoughts effortlessly slide past our defenses when we let our mental guard down, tempting us to return to our former ways. The past always looks better in hindsight than it was when you were living through it.
   After the children of Israel were released from Egypt, they dreamt of returning to the place of their bondage. Numbers 11:5-6 records how they complained about manna, the miraculous food that God had provided for them in the wilderness. Instead of rejoicing, they remembered with fondness the "leeks, onions, and garlic" of Egypt. How crazy is that?!
   If you want to remember God's miraculous works, it helps to build a mental framework that nourishes holy contentment. You'll need a compass that guides you toward peace and beliefs that point you back to Jesus. You'll have to have your heart and mind guarded by the peace of God that comes when your mind is set on the right things.
   Dear God, I do not want to forget Your faithfulness. Rather, help me think about what is right, true, and lovely. Lead my mind toward peace. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

   Thankfulness and trust are like close friends who are always ready to help you. When your day looks bleak and the world seems scary, it's time to rely on these faithful friends. Stop for a moment and take some deep breaths. Look around you - searching for beauty and blessings - and thank Me for what you find. This connects you with Me in a wonderful way. Speak to Me in glowing terms about the many good gifts I've provided. Make the effort to thank Me with enthusiasm, regardless of how you're feeling. As you persist in expressing your gratitude, you'll find yourself becoming joyful.
   It's also helpful to frequently voice your trust in Me. This reminds you that I am with you and I am absolutely reliable! There are always areas of your life where you need to trust Me more fully. When hard times come, view them as opportunities to expand the scope of your trust - living by faith in these challenging seasons. Don't waste the opportunities; use them to come closer to Me. I welcome you warmly, with open arms! (Psa. 92:1, 2; 118:28; 2Co. 5:7; Jam. 4:8) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young]

   It is good to proclaim My love in the morning and My faithfulness at night. Proclaiming this Love is exceedingly good for you. When you declare the wonders of My loving Presence, you are strengthened and encouraged. This glorious blessing flows into you more fully as you speak these words out loud. Let this delightful declaration fill you with Joy inexpressible and full of Glory!
   Ponder some of the qualities of My amazing Love: It is sacrificial, unfailing, priceless, boundless - reaching to the heavens. It shines so brightly that it can carry you through your darkest days. When you get to the end of each day, it is time to proclaim My faithfulness that reaches to the skies. Look back over the day, and notice how I helped you navigate your way through it. The more difficulties you encountered, the more help I made available to you. It is good to give voice to My great faithfulness, especially at night, so that you can lie down and sleep in peace. (Psa. 92:1, 2; 1Pe. 1:8; Psa. 36:5-7; 4:8) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 150 - Let Every Living Thing Praise God! Hallelujah!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190811-1105.html

Psalm 145:8, 9 - Gods Character; Fuel for Praise.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210205-0907.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/