Grateful Praise
Introduction
Unlike the rest of our country, the territory of Norfolk Island celebrates Thanksgiving. It was introduced to the island over 100 years ago by the crews on American whaling ships that called there. The Norfolk celebration takes place at the end of November when the people give thanks for the blessings of the harvest. Traditionally they attend church and then have a special lunch with family and friends. It is a day when they joyfully express their thanks to God for his provision for them.
But as good as it is it to have a special day of celebration, thanksgiving does not have to be restricted to one day a year. We should always be giving thanks and praise to God. Let’s look at what Psalm 100 says about this.
Reflect
- Look at the heading of this psalm. What is its purpose?
- Who does the psalmist call upon to give grateful praise to God? (v 1) How are they to worship the LORD?
- How does this compare with the way you usually come before the Lord in worship?
What a joyful start to this psalm! Worship does not need to be a sombre affair! Let’s celebrate how good it is to have the LORD as our God! He is the one who should be central in all our worship. So let us bring our joyful songs before him, songs that reflect who he is and how he has blessed us.
Reflect
- What three main reasons does the psalmist give us in this verse to worship God with grateful praise?
- Read Psalm 23:1 and Ezekiel 34:15-16. How do these verses add to our understanding of God as our Shepherd?
- How do Jesus’ words in John 10:11 give us another amazing reason for grateful praise?
This psalm calls us to give ourselves completely to God, the one who made us. Our focus must be on him, and not ourselves. How good it is to realise that God not only made us, but he also cares deeply for us – the sheep of his pasture. In the New Testament, we see Jesus is the good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep so we could be forgiven and live with him forever.
Reflect
- How are we to come into God’s presence? (v 4)
- Why is it important to know that the LORD is good and loving and faithful? (v 5)
No matter what is happening in the world around us or in our own lives, we can cling to the fact that God does not change. He loved us before the foundation of the world; and he will love us for all eternity. He is always good, that is his nature; and he will be faithful to us for all generations. So, let’s seek to develop an ‘attitude of gratitude’ that results in joyful praise to him.
Something to think and pray about
Read Ephesians 1:3–14. Write out all the blessings God has given to those who are Christ. Add any gifts or special blessings that God has given specifically to you. How has he shown his love and goodness to you? How have you seen his faithfulness? Write a prayer or joyful song of praise to God. Then read or sing it out loud!
Something to sing about
Psalm 100 – Chris Tomlin; Psalm 100 – Word for Word Ministries; All People that on Earth Do Dwell – Emu.