Do we pause to praise the Lord for His goodness and grace in our everyday endeavors? I hope so. We thank God when appointments go smoothly and conversations promote connection. When our homes have heat and our stomachs feel satiated, gratitude comes easily. We thank God with our hearts, minds, mouths, and bodies. Let us revel in the extravagant generosity of God and thank Him everyday. Giving thanks is good for the soul.
Psalm 103:1-2 — Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Gratitude changes our perspective. When we express praise to God and thank Him, Christlikeness grows in us. Research shows that five minutes of gratitude, three times a day for a month, changes our outlook on life and grows the nervous system to function in joy. (Coursey, The Joy Switch) Joy, a fruit of the Spirit, grows with gratitude (Galatians 5). Joy does not imply a life free of hardship, but reveals a life lived by the Spirit.
James 5:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Yet, when life feels challenging, confusing, or chaotic, it might feel hard to praise the Lord. I’ve been there. Giving praise to God in the trials and storms of life seems counterintuitive to the world surrounding us. Yet, Scripture directs us to give thanks regardless of our situation or condition (Psalm 103). I marvel at the shift that occurs in my soul when I thank God, even on the hardest day and in the most challenging moment. There is always something for which to thank God.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 — Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
As we enter the week approaching the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, I want to express my gratitude to God with Alphabet Praise. I tell of this practice often, as one of my favorites. I feel drawn to share my praise to God with you. In this simple way, I express my gratitude to my Lord and Savior. I call to mind the good, loving, and steadfast character of God. Perhaps my sharing inspires your own reflection and gratitude to God.
Psalm 107:1 — Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
For each letter of the alphabet proclaim praise. Remember God’s goodness and recognize God’s grace and gifts. Move through the alphabet and declare a name for God, a characteristic of God, and or a goodness/gift from God for each letter. My hope remains that you engage this soul-enriching practice for yourself.
A – Almighty, B – Breath, C – Creator, D – Dogs, E – Eve and Ellie, F – Family, G – Good, H – Holy, I – Invitational, J – Jesus, K – Kind, L – Loved, M – Messiah, N – Near, O – Oreos, P – Present, Q – Quiet, R – Redeemer, S – Soul care, T – Trinity, U – Ukraine, V – Victory, W – Warrior, Y – Yield, Z – Zeal.
Psalm 118:24 — This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
As you stand in line at the market, lie awake at night, wait for transportation, walk the dog, and meet with others, proclaim praise to God. Notice the lift the Holy Sprit brings to your soul. Let the alphabet guide your gratitude. Focus your mind, heart, mouth, and body on the goodness, grace, and gifts of the Lord God Almighty.
This week – – –
Reflect. Be curious with God about the role of gratitude in your life. Do you find it easy to thank God? What about thanking others? Engage Alphabet Praise multiple ways. One time, focus upon only the names for God. Another time, reflect on the character of God. Yet again, call out the gifts of God in your life. Praise the Lord.
Request. Let your prayer reflect gratitude. Thank God for both the little and big gifts of life. He delights in your praise (Psalm 22:3). Ask the Lord to increase your awareness of His kindness to you each day. Open each prayer with praise. Set a timer for three times a day and praise God for five minutes. Witness the joy of the Lord filling your soul.
Receive. Read Psalm 100. Notice what stands out to you. Read Psalm 100 again. For what can you thank God? Read Psalm 100 one more time. Rest in the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord. You are His. He shepherds you. You can be still with Him.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 100 – Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Ephesians 5:20 – Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Chris M. Coursey. The Joy Switch: How Your Brain’s Secret Circuit Affects Your Relationships-And How You Can Activate It. Chicago, IL. 2021.
John Cavins. Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys for a Joyful Life. Cincinnati, OH. 2023.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Seph Schlueter. Count my Blessings. Click here to watch & listen.
Brandon Lake. Gratitude. Click here to watch and listen.