“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” – Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
Two prerequisites for entering God’s presence are joyfully serving and praising Him. We must know that the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. Knowing that He watches over us should make us grateful. God surrounds us with people, both good and bad since He knows that all things work together for our good and is forever faithful.
Whatever our situation, we must give thanks to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We must remain steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in good work, never failing to acknowledge Him. Our labour will not be in vain (1 Corinthians 15: 57-58).
Christ brings not only victory over death in the resurrection but also victory over sin that leads to death. Labour in the Lord, however, has eternal value. He rewards us once we do not give up with eternal life, though some may see being grateful as vanity. It doesn’t matter if you get the praise or the encouragement; continue to be thankful as you serve. We should always be grateful to God for choosing us, even before we were born.
God has mapped out our lives, and it’s for the good. Be grateful!
Testimony
God is great and greatly to be praised. When I look back at how He saved me by the power of His might, I can only say, “Thank You, Lord.” The Word of God says that unless the Lord draws you, you cannot be drawn (John 6:44), which is a privilege in itself to offer God thanks. I remember when I was saved, I had no idea how I would be serving God. Looking back on my sinful life, I can see that God was in command. I should have died; they told lies about me, laughed at me, and said I was insane, that I’ll amount to nothing. But God turned it around. He turned my mess into a message. I am truly grateful to be chosen by God. He is always faithful. He never fails.
Read: Psalm 34:1; James 4:8
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 27:23-27; Proverbs 28:1-6; Hebrews 13; Ezekiel 30; Ezekiel 31
