Read Psalm 116:1–9
Every good and perfect gift is from above. —James 1:17
My friend Gloria, who had not been able to leave her house except for doctors’ appointments, called with excitement in her voice. “My son just attached new speakers to my computer, so now I can go to my church!” She could now hear the live broadcast of her church’s worship service. She raved about God’s goodness. Gloria teaches me about having a thankful heart. Despite her many limitations, she’s thankful for the smallest of things. She’s had a lifetime of seeing God provide for her, and she talks about Him to anyone who visits or calls. We don’t know what difficulties the author of Psalm 116 was encountering. Some Bible commentaries say it was probably sickness because he said, “The cords of death entangled me” (V. 3). But he gave thanks to the Lord for being gracious and full of compassion when he was “brought low” (VV. 5–6). When we’re low, it can be hard to look up. Yet if we do, we see that God is the giver of all good gifts in our life—great and small—and we learn to give Him thanks.
-Anne
Dear Father, too often have I taken for granted the blessings that you have placed in my life. The joy of a church service, the warm hug of a friend or even the mundane activities of life. Give me a thankful heart so that I may count my many blessings each day, in Jesus Name ~ Amen
