Monday, November 21, 2022

Nov 21, 2022

Listen to the Word

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.  (Psalm 100:4-5)


This week the calendar reminds us to say "thank you" to God. The holiday is helpful, because griping tends to come more naturally for us than gratitude. We act as if the Declaration of Independence guaranteed us the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of crabbyness. Don't get me wrong - I know you have plenty of legitimate things to complain about: the mess in Washington, the state of your favorite team, the weather, your aches and pains, your shrinking paycheck, and so on. But you also have reason to join hands with the psalmist and enter the gates of God with thanksgiving and praise. As we approach Thanksgiving, let's be intentional about praising God for who he is and saying thanks to him for what he has done.


Live the Word

As you go through your day today, pay attention to the number of complaints you hear. Do this not for the sake of passing judgment on those who are complaining, but to become aware of how prevalent our tendency to gripe really is. Ask God to help you trade your griping for gratitude.