Scripture
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. -Psalm 9: 1-2
Like David, I praise God who does great things. We must learn to be grateful in all things and in all seasons. The circumstances of our lives do not negate God's goodness. God is worthy of our thanksgiving with our whole heart. Our undivided devotion, all of our being, will, and emotion is directed towards Him. Thanksgiving in the Hebrew Lexicon means to throw stones, to cast, to profess, to confess, to show or point out with extended hands. Do you see what this means, Beloved? We cast our thanks to Him, point out His goodness, confess His great works, and profess His faithfulness with lifted hands. Psalm 103:1-5 lists God's benefits: forgiveness of sin, healing all diseases, rescue from the pit, and mercy and love. We are to do as David did, we tell of His good deeds. Cast His good deed back to Him with extended hands. "Lord, you've delivered me from the hands of my enemies. You saved my family. You turned my mourning into dancing. You've given me beauty for ashes. You've opened doors that no one can close." Cast His good works back to Him, Beloved.
When we recount the many things that God has done, it strengthens our faith and our conviction. It gives us the strength to face the trials ahead. Rejoicing and expressing gladness in times of trouble speaks to your relationship with God. You are acknowledging that He is greater than the circumstances you face. David also expressed joy and gladness, exulting in the Lord. He rested in God's goodness. You need to understand that David was praising God for the death of Goliath. What Goliath-sized problem are you facing, Beloved? He triumphed over his enemy, and as a result, he cast praise back to the Father for what He had done. Send up praises as a memorial for the things the Lord has done for you in the past. His grace will help you through the current trials you're facing.
Like the psalmist, we face both personal triumphs and hardships. In our most difficult seasons, we must recall God's great deeds and past faithfulness to us. Be intentional about giving thanks, Beloved, because it builds you up and reminds you and others of God's power and goodness in the face of struggles. I was feeling deflated about what I felt was a Goliath-sized problem. I began to cast God's great works in my life back to Him. I listed as many blessings as I could remember. I told Him, "My gratitude is greater than my problem. Lord, I'm grateful." Though the situation didn't immediately change, my praise insulated me. I no longer feel deflated; I feel strengthened. Be grateful, Beloved.
Prayer
Father, you have all power and authority. We give thanks for everything that you've done for us. Thank you for all the ways you've made for us. We choose to rejoice in our relationship with you, and we give you praises, Most High God. Amen
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