Read: Psalm 116:1–9 | Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 19–20; Luke 18:1–23
Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17
My friend Gloria called with excitement in her voice. She had not
been able to leave her home except for doctors’ appointments. So I
understood why she was so happy to tell me, “My son just attached new
speakers to my computer, so now I can go to my church!” Now she could
hear the live broadcast of her church’s worship service. She raved about
God’s goodness and the “best gift my son could have given me!”
Gloria teaches me about having a thankful heart. Despite her many
limitations, she’s thankful for the smallest of things—sunsets, helpful
family and neighbors, quiet moments with God, the ability to remain in
her own apartment. She’s had a lifetime of seeing God provide for her,
and she talks about Him to anyone who visits or calls.
We don’t know what difficulties the author
of Psalm 116 was encountering. Some Bible commentaries say it was
probably sickness because he said, “the cords of death entangled me” (v.
3). But he gave thanks to the Lord for being gracious and full of
compassion when he was “brought low” (vv. 5–6).
When we’re low, it can be hard to look up. Yet if we do, we see that
God is the giver of all good gifts in our life—great and small—and we
learn to give Him thanks.
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? . . . I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving (Ps. 116:12, 17 esv).
Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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