LIFESTYLE OF GRATITUDE

There are many things about God to love but one of the most amazing is this:- when we have been running around in addiction and then find ourselves in a life-threatening, chaotic situation, if we call out to God, He will help us. 

I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!  What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people. I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:1-2, 5, 12, 14, 17 NLT)

Many of us have stories of how God saved us from what seemed like certain death, and for some of us that happened more than once!  What kind of response should we have in the face of such kindness and faithful love? 

The writer of this Psalm suggests that we pray, keep our promises to the Lord, and offer thanks.  In practical terms we are encouraged to find a way to face problems with God rather than running from them or trying to cover them up with destructive habits. God was there in our darkest hour, and He is with us now.  God heard us in the back alley, the prison cell, or wherever we were when we called out to Him, and He continues to hear us now and will act on our behalf.  Sometimes we just need to be patient until God’s solution is clearly seen, but it will surely come at just the right time. 

A lifestyle of thanksgiving is built on memories of God’s faithful love. Let’s make a memory today!

Prayer: Loving God, Thank You for the security You have brought to my life and for all that You have done for me.  No matter what I face today, help me to remember that You are with me and that I can be certain of Your unfailing love and care. Amen