Read Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).
Imagine yourself on a mountaintop, surrounded by panoramic views that take your breath away. The crisp air fills your lungs as you stand in awe of the beauty around you. In that moment, gratitude fills your heart to overflowing, and you can’t help but raise your voice in praise. This is the essence of Psalm 118—a symphony of gratitude that resounds through the ages.
The psalmist invites us into a celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness, urging us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good!” It’s a call to rejoice in the victory that God has won for us—a victory that transcends time and circumstance.
But what is the source of this triumph? What mighty act has God performed that warrants such exultant praise? The answer lies in the cornerstone of our faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Like the stone that was rejected but became the cornerstone, Christ’s victory over death is the foundation upon which our gratitude is built.
Through Christ’s resurrection, we are reminded that God’s power knows no bounds. It is the ultimate demonstration of love and redemption, a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. And as we stand on the precipice of this truth, we can’t help but give thanks with every fiber of our being.
Gratitude, however, is not just a response to favorable circumstances; it’s a way of life—a deliberate choice to recognize and appreciate the goodness of God in every moment. Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can find reasons to give thanks, knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and sustaining us through it all.
The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Philippians, urging us not to worry about anything but to pray about everything. In doing so, he assures us that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
So, as we journey through life’s peaks and valleys, let us cultivate a spirit of gratitude that permeates every aspect of our being. Let us rejoice in the knowledge that God’s faithful love endures forever, and let us walk confidently in the victory won for us through Christ’s resurrection.
As the psalmist proclaims, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!” May our hearts overflow with gratitude as we embrace each new day as a gift from the hand of God.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“Gratitude is the key that unlocks the fullness of life.” – Melody Beattie
PRAYER
Lord, help us to cultivate hearts of gratitude, knowing that in every circumstance, you are our strength and salvation. Grant peace to those who struggle with anxiety, and guide them to the help and support they need. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
