On Gratitude
- Lauren
- Nov 25, 2024
- 2 min read
Thanksgiving for God’s Goodness
Of David
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” -Psalm 103:1-5, NRSV
Gratitude may be one of the most difficult things to express when we are experiencing great hardship. Yet, we are called to do so. Jesus expressed gratitude to God the Father during His ministry multiple times. For example, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he first, “. . . looked upward and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me’” (Jn 11:41-42). Jesus expressed his gratitude publicly to the Father, so that those watching would come to believe in the truth that Jesus was sent by God. Jesus gives us a wonderful example of how to turn to God the Father in gratitude.
In the Old Testament, there is a prayer of thanksgiving in Psalm 103. This Psalm is attributed to King David, and it reminds us of all that God has done for His people. Let’s break down the psalm verse by verse.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”
In all that I do, I will bless the Lord. In all that I am, I will remember the Lord and all He has done for me.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—“
I will not forget all that the Lord has done for me. He has given me so much, and I am so quick to forget that. God has provided me with so much in my life.
“who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases”
God is faithful and merciful. He is all forgiving. He heals everything in His time. Whether that healing comes to us on earth or in heaven, He will heal all disease.
“who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy”
The Lord will save me from the terrors of Hell, and in this saving, He crowns me in love. I am royalty to Him. I am His child. I am loved.
“who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
God will bring good about in my life according to His most precious will. My youth will be renewed in heaven.
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for following my journey with the Lord. Please let me know how I can pray for you this week by submitting the prayer request form below, sending me an email, or messaging me on Instagram.
In Christ,
Lauren
