Psalm 100
Psalm 100 is called a Psalm for giving thanks. This is a psalm for each of us since it is a psalm for the entire earth. It is a psalm that contains the antidote to whining and complaining. The antidote is thanks-living; living each day with a thankful and grateful heart.
Every day we hear of one more complaint about life. These complaints range from the stagnant economy to the plethora of poor movie choices today. This negativity is overwhelming and it does have a tremendous impact on our hearts. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by this negativity and lose perspective in life.
Yesterday Kenny and I visited a friend who had been a Little League coach to my son, Jeremy, 25 years ago. Over the years he has battled cancer and recently his brain tumor has crushed his optic nerve, resulting in him losing his eyesight and living in a wheelchair. As we walked into his house I was expecting to hear a list of complaints. If there was ever someone who had a right to complain it was this man. But what came off his lips was just the opposite. He expressed his gratitude for another day of life. He was thankful for his family, his support system and all those who cared for him. And most importantly, he was thankful for Jesus who was daily giving him courage and hope. He knew that his future was securely held in the hands of God. By the end of our visit, it was our hearts that were ministered to.
Psalm 100 gives us several reasons to have an attitude of gratitude. This list includes the fact that the Lord is God, he created us, he redeemed us, he cares and loves us, he is a good God and finally his faithfulness is eternal. All of these reasons have their origin in God and not the circumstances of our planet.
So what is our response to these incredible blessings? Nothing less than thanks-living is demanded. There is something wrong with our theology when it doesn't lead to thank-ology. The greatest tragedy that will occur in our country today is that all over this land, a land blessed by God, people will go through the entire day only focusing on the negative and never stopping and saying thank you to God for the good we have experienced.
The challenge before us today is to make this a day of thanks living. We only enter into the fullness of life if we have a faith that gives thanks. So take time right now and thank God for three blessings in your life.
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