A Thankful Heart

July 21, 2016 Year C

Psalm 138:1-8

Evangelist Dr. Michael Guido of Sower Ministries and author of “A Seed for the Sower,” once mentioned the importance of expressing thanksgiving in praise. he states:

Paganism has its prayers, but not any praise. It has teaching, but not any thanksgiving. Sometimes unthinking Christians express no thanksgiving. But praising, like praying, should be a habit.1

David’s habit of praise, in this case, came from a thankful heart. How can I express a thankful heart to God? In this psalm, David describes how he shares a thankful heart for God.

WHAT I CAN THANK GOD FOR

1. I can praise God for His love (Psalm 138:1-2)

God’s love is the most basic reason to thank God. He loved me enough to create me, save me, and help me. I can thank God for Who He is. His love is God’s basic characteristic.

2. I can call God for answers (Psalm 138:3)

There are times when I need answers. God is there to give me His answers to my difficulties and problems. I can be thankful for providing answers during difficult times.

3. I can publicly exalt God for His ways (Psalm 138:4-5)

Kings are public officials. They share words in public. In the same way, when I thank God, I can do it publicly with others. I can take my time that I have with others in public and make a public praise for God. Thanking God in public shows a heart of faith, and reveals that a person who is willing to proclaim God in front of others.

4. I can depend upon God in difficult times (Psalm 138:6-7)

Difficult times will come. People will walk through the thick of danger. I can depend upon God to help me with dangerous circumstances, people, and challenges. I can thank God for His help.