As we noted yesterday: “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Having considered gratitude’s connection with the past, let us now consider its connection with today.
Though today may have its cares and trials, do we still acknowledge that for which we can give thanks? Or are we allowing present challenges to cancel out in our mind the good that remains? Even when someone declares they are having a bad day, does that truly mean every aspect of the day is bad? Of course not! Where we choose to focus makes a dynamic difference in our attitude toward the day.
In one of David’s psalms, even while feeling the need to call out for God’s mercy in view of the wicked not duly acknowledging God (Psalm 28:1-5), he expressed. . .
“(6) Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. (7) The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” (Psalm 28:6-7 ESV)
In spite of distresses of the day, David still placed his trust presently in the Lord Who remained his strength and protection. Therefore, he continued in a song of thanks to Him. Giving thanks is the good thing to do based on God steadfast love coming with the morning and His steadfast faithfulness even in the night. (Psalm 92:1-2)
Even Daniel, when he knew the edict had been signed intended to get him into trouble for his worship, continued as we read. . .
“(10) When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10 ESV)
It did not matter that his life was threatened, Daniel still gave thanks according to his daily practice. Regardless of the present, his gratitude toward God remained!
One of the psalmists wrote. . .
“(28) You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. (29) Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:28-29 ESV)
Regardless of what is going on around us, let us remember God remains God and find peace in that reality. He is good! And his steadfast love is ever abiding! May we thank God and glorify Him with the day He has given!
Have a great day GRATEFUL FOR GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE PRESENT!
Carl
