Day 664: Psalm 111- Whole Hearted Gratitude

Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!
 
Meditation
Gratitude is an essential element in the ecosystem of spiritual growth, driving development as a disciple. This is why Paul commands believers to give thanks in everything we do, in word and deed, in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17).
 
Today’s psalm displays determination to show gratitude, “I will give thanks with my whole heart!...” (1) writes the Psalmist before he offers focused ways we can cultivate whole hearted gratitude:
 
A-Gratitude gushes forth when the word and work of the Lord is celebrated (2, 4, 6, 7, 9). God redeemed His people, loving us with an everlasting love. God has forgiven and freed us for personal relationship and participation in His work. Hearts filled with gratitude will celebrate God’s work above any and all work, including our own.
 
B-Gratitude fills our hearts when we celebrate the character of God (3, 4, 7, 9). God alone is full of splendor, majesty, grace, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, and justice. Gratitude rejoices in the revelation of God’s character through His word and His works. God’s character guarantees the security our souls need to flourish.
 
C-Gratitude is gratefulness for God’s covenant faithfulness (4, 8, 9, 10). “He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever!” God’s steadfast love will not leave or forsake His people. God Himself is the fullness of our heart’s desire and His covenant faithfulness frees us to hope in Him.
 
May God’s grace provide gratitude to nourish the ecosystem of our love so that we can live more fruitfully for His glory.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Are you determined to show gratitude? Why or why not?
 
-Which of the three directions for developing gratitude speaks most to you?
 
-Take time to grow in gratefulness by naming ten things you are thankful for. What people, places, or graces has God used to show His goodness to you, and how can you thank Him for them?
 
Key Verse
1. Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.