THE OVERCOMING POWER OF THANKFULNESS
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A life of gratitude is a life of blessedness. Yet the world constantly bombards us with negativity. It is challenging to keep it from infiltrating our thoughts and emotions. The subtle inroads into our daily lives often go unnoticed. Soon, we discover a change in our outlook, our attitude, our demeanor. Dark clouds obscure the sunlight. Blessings are overlooked. Hope dwindles. Joy fades away.
How can we counter the prevalence of negativity that surrounds us, invades our thinking and steals our peace? By living our lives with purposeful gratitude. Praising and thanking God with intent and passion. Speaking words of positivity that change the spiritual atmosphere. Words of heartfelt love and adoration for God. Words that remember His glory, His supremacy, His love, mercy and grace.
Purposeful gratitude is a mindset that looks at life from a thankful point of view instead of one of worry, anxiety or fear. It focuses on purposefully appreciating instead of complaining. Seeking to center our thoughts on God’s benevolence instead of our apparent lack. Expressing and validating our sincere trust in God as His valued child.
King David, a man whose heart aligned with God’s, lived a life of purposeful gratitude. He authored psalms of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord to maintain a joyful spirit amidst challenges from nations and people intent on evil. Psalm 103 is one such psalm that gives us keys to tap into the power of thankfulness… and overcome the prevailing negativity in our lives.
Psalm 103 – A Model of Purposeful Gratitude
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. (v.1)
» Offer God praise and thanksgiving – Let praise be the song of your heart. Praise opens the heavens and silences the enemy. Thankfulness shifts your focus from life’s problems to the Creator of life Himself.
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits. (v.2)
» Remember His blessings – Let gratitude fill your soul. Be reminded of His graciousness toward you. You are the object of His love and the recipient of His abundant blessings.
For God…
† Forgives all your sins (v.3) – As you acknowledge your sins before Him, Jesus releases you from their power. No longer are you in bondage to sin. He clothes you in His righteousness.
† Heals all your diseases (v.3) – Jesus paid the price for your healing. The Lamb of God endured the Passion for you. His wounds were borne so you could be healed.
† Redeems your life from the pit (v.4) – Jesus pulled you from the pit of destruction. He braved the due penalty of death… His life given for your life. Death now has no power over you.
† Crowns you with love and compassion (v.4) – Your life is embraced by His endless love, favored by His faithful care and devotion. You dwell in His encompassing grace.
† Satisfies your desires with good things (v.5) – His generosity renews and restores. You have been reborn as a child of the kingdom with new life and new purpose.
He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. (v.7)
» Remember His attributes – Appreciate and extol Him for who He is, the awesomeness of His character. He is always working in your best interest.
For God…
† Works righteousness and justice (v.6) – He acts on behalf of any who are oppressed. He reigns justly and righteously as supreme Judge over all.
† Is compassionate and gracious (v.8) – His compassion never fails toward you, His chosen one. His grace flows to you in unlimited supply.
† Is slow to anger, abounding in love (v.8) – A love so overwhelming is proved by His long-suffering. He waits faithfully for you to return from your wayward ways.
† Will not always accuse (v.9) – He does not condemn. He may discipline out of His great love, allowing you to face the consequences of your sins.
† … Or harbor His anger forever (v.9) – He is the Lover of your soul… ever ready to welcome you back when you have a change of heart.
† Does not treat us as our sins deserve (v.10) – In His unfailing mercy, He sent His Son to be the Savior of mankind. His grace transcends your deserved judgment.
† … Or repay us according to our iniquities (v.10) – He is amazingly patient, even when you may disregard His unconditional love and faithfulness.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him. (v.11)
» Remember the vastness of God’s love – His love is immeasurable, fathomless. It is steadfast, enduring, abiding. You are the object of His kindness, devotion and mercy.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (v.12)
» Remember the depth of His forgiveness – He has removed your sins forever from you. No harboring of unforgiveness once there is heartfelt repentance.
As a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. (v.13)
» Remember His fatherly compassion – He is your eternal, heavenly Father… always accepting, always tender-hearted. You are His beloved child.
For He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. (v.14)
» Remember God’s unchanging nature – Life is fleeting, impermanent. Yet the permanence of God will outlive your temporary struggles. You can trust your life in His omnipotent hands.
From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him… (v.17)
» Remember His everlasting love – His love abounds forever toward all His faithful ones who fear and obey Him… who follow His ways and commands.
… and His righteousness with their children’s children. (v.17)
» Remember His legacy of righteousness – He will bless future generations of covenant followers, keeping them under His wings of favor and protection.
The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. (v.19)
» Remember God’s sovereign control – He rules over all creation from His heavenly throne. He reigns supreme… unrivaled, unequaled in power and authority.
Praise the Lord, all His works everywhere in His dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul. (v.22)
» Praise God with all creation – The universe is His dominion under His providence. All heaven praises Him unendingly. He is deserving of all thanksgiving and praise.
† Eternal Takeaway – Live your life with purposeful gratitude toward God †
