Joyful

JOYFUL
Psalm 100

Vs 1: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.”

Oswald Chambers had this to say about an unthankful attitude: “The will of God is the gladdest, brightest, most beautiful thing possible to conceive, and yet some of us talk of the will of God with a terrific sigh, ‘Oh well, I suppose it is the will of God,’” … as if God’s will were the most dreadful thing we could imagine.

Have we become spiritual whiners?

Psalm 100 is one of the best songs of thanksgiving in the Bible. “It is He who made us, and we are His.” (Vs. 3). We are indeed His people and the sheep of His pasture! Where is the majestic vigor and might we’re to express as His children? As Ambassadors of Christ, are we resigned instead of glad at His will? Vs. 2 implores us to serve Him with gladness, and come before Him with joyful songs. (Combination of KJV and NIV).

We’re to thank God and praise Him for His goodness and mercy—for His love endures forever. His faithfulness is a continuum throughout generations. (Vs. 5). Many times, my service to God is more begrudging than joyful. By expressing willing joy in service, our thanks to Him is tangible—so real that we and everyone around us, including God, knows it’s real.

Praising and thanking God is our responsibility AND we can be happy about that. Serving and giving thanks are not mutually exclusive.

Honest.

When the Holy Spirit nudges us into action, (or as some folks say, “the Lord laid it on my heart”) do we feel a crushing sensation? It is a privilege to be called on by the Sovereign God of the universe for service to others. “Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40).

WOW!

What is your reaction when someone asks you to do something or needs your assistance? Do they ask more from you than what they know you’re capable of handling? Of course not! Just because you might be busy, take a moment to honor their request. Now that’s joyful giving.

They will FEEL grateful to you for your willing service. That is tangible. Real. Priceless.

Take Home Nugget

Willing service urges us to be grateful recipients. True thankfulness is more than being grateful for possessions. God’s blessings are much more lavish than mere “things”.

Thanksgiving is an attitude that saturates our relationship to the Lord—and to each other. Let’s live with an attitude of gratitude!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHRIST.

J.D. Griffith

Then let us adore and give Him His right,
All glory and power, all wisdom and might,
All honor and blessing, with angels above,
And thanks never ceasing for infinite love.

Wesley

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