“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise, be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4 NKJV)
We have been learning how to FEEL gratitude for the things
we have been blessed with, our next step is to SAY thank you and express
gratitude to God for His lovingkindness and provision.
Through Christ we have been granted the opportunity to “come
boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help
in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). It makes sense then, that as we proceed to
God’s “throne of grace,” that we first “enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise”! Jesus taught His disciples (and us) how to
pray in Matthew 6:9-13, showing that prayer should begin (and end) with praise,
acknowledging God as holy and awesome.
I mentioned before in older posts that the word "bless" and "blessed" when used in reference to God and His name means "to speak beautiful
words about." So, going back to Psalm 100:4, we are to “be thankful to Him, and
[speak beautiful words about] His name.” It’s the perfect beginning point!
Sit down for a moment today and prepare your heart to
approach God’s throne. Imagine yourself entering His gates with thanksgiving
(think of at least three things you can thank Him for), now imagine yourself
continuing into His courts with praise (think of at least three things you can
praise Him for), and now as you approach His throne of grace, be thankful to
Him, and speak these beautiful words to Him! Let Him know that you know, that
you are aware and appreciative of His provision, and that you are happy to be
His child!
God is worthy of ALL praise and ALL thanksgiving!! The
blessings we receive from Him always outweigh our troubles! Tell Him today that
you are grateful for His generous gifts of love and care!
From wherever you are right now – BEGIN!
Photo Credit belongs to Chadwick Brewer. Used with Permission.
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