Is an attitude of thankfulness that important? I think you already know the answer.
It’s the vehicle that gets us from here to there.
The psalm we will glance at today had a writer who didn’t forget God.
WE CAN DO THE SAME…
Have you ever read through Psalm 119? It is 176 verses deep. I have spent a couple of weeks thinking of the person who wrote it, because this person was talking to God like I want to talk to God.
He talks up a storm, and he tells God over and over again how much he needs Him. There are times when you hear him coaching himself. Let me read you some of the sincere things you will hear in Psalm 119 that I think are perfect for the season upon us: THANKSGIVING
We have so much to be thankful for – even if you are walking through the deepest pain in your life. God see’s you.
You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.
How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
I won’t forget a word of it.
Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
if you’ll just show me how.
God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!
Let your love, God, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
And, maybe you can whisper a prayer that says – thank you Lord for reminding me that you always see and hear me.
