Give Thanks To The Lord, For He Is Good!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Let Israel now say, “His mercy endures forever.”

Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.”

Let those who fear the Lord now say, “His mercy endures forever.”

I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

They surrounded me like bees; they were quenched like a fire of thorns; for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

You pushed me violently, that I might fall, but the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.

Psalm 118:1-14

Beyond good manners – which are external – our Lord reminds us that we are to have a heart of gratitude. Scripture contains dozens of reminders that expressing gratitude is of primary importance in our relationship with God.

The requests we bring to Him are to be wrapped in a spirit of thanksgiving. Such an attitude of gratitude will help us remember our abundant blessings. Even in the midst of trouble and despair, God’s presence and love are our constant companions.

It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.

Our Daily Bread – November 26, 2015