Emphasize the importance of expressing gratitude to God for His abundant blessings and to live a life reflecting this thankfulness.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into a passage from the book of Psalms, which reminds us to live a life of gratitude for God's abundant blessings.
As Ann Voskamp so eloquently puts it, "Giving thanks for one thousand things is ultimately an invitation to slow time down with the weight of full attention." So, let's take the time today to slow down and give thanks for the blessings God has bestowed upon us.
Our Scripture for today is from Psalms 116:12-17. It reads,
"What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord."
Giving thanks to God is not merely a polite gesture or a casual acknowledgment of God's goodness. Rather, it is a profound expression of our recognition of God's sovereignty, our dependence on His grace, and our heartfelt appreciation for His unending love and mercy.
The psalmist poses a rhetorical question: "What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?" This question reflects a profound sense of awe and gratitude. It acknowledges that God's blessings are so abundant and His goodness so overwhelming that any attempt to repay Him seems futile. Yet, the psalmist doesn't stop at this acknowledgment. He makes a commitment to lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. This is an act of thanksgiving, a declaration of faith, and a commitment to worship God and honor Him with his life.
More than just saying "thank you" for the blessings we receive: It is an attitude of the heart, a lifestyle that recognizes God's hand in every aspect of our lives. It is about seeing God's grace in the sunrise that greets us each morning, the air that fills our lungs, the food that nourishes us, the relationships that enrich us, and even the challenges that refine us.
Not just for the good times: The Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." This means that even in times of difficulty and uncertainty, we are to maintain a posture of gratitude. This is not because God needs our thanks, but because thanksgiving realigns our perspective, shifting our focus from our problems to God's promises, from our lack to His abundance, from our fears to His faithfulness.
A transformative effect on our lives: It cultivates a spirit of contentment, joy, and peace. It strengthens our faith, deepens our relationship with God, and empowers us to face life's challenges with courage and confidence. It reminds us of God's faithfulness in the past, assures us of His presence in the present, and fills us with hope for the future.
Giving thanks to God fosters unity and mutual encouragement: As we share our testimonies of God's goodness, we inspire one another to trust God more, to rely on His grace, and to live lives that honor Him. We also become channels of God's blessings, as our expressions of gratitude uplift others and point them to the source of all blessings.
God's generosity is not something we can ever repay; it's a gift, freely given ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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