A Psalm of Praise: Choosing Gratitude

Max Lucado describes gratitude as being "more aware of what you have than what you don’t. Recognizing the treasure in the simple - a child’s hug, fertile soil, a golden sunset. Relishing in the comfort of common.” Gratitude changes my attitude but sometimes I can rush past those gifts. How about you?

Psalm 100—written by David—is often called the Psalm of Praise. It’s simple, joyful, and deeply grounding. Psalm 100 is only five short verses but packed with power!

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about posture.

Not polished.

Not reserved.

Real.

I come because I want to and sometimes, I come when I don't want to. I come because He is worthy!

“Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His: we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

He made me. I am His. I am not self-created, self-sustained, or self-sufficient.

And honestly? That’s freeing!

I don’t have to carry the weight of being God. I can rest in the fact that He is.

I also love that we are described as sheep. Sheep depend on their good shepherd for everything—direction, protection, provision. Gratitude grows when I remember how dependent I truly am and how faithful He has always been. He is my Good Shepherd.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; and His steadfast love endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations.”

Gratitude brings us back to what’s steady and true: God is good. His love hasn’t changed. His faithfulness stretches across generations—including yours. We can enter into His presence with thanksgiving!

Today, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: What are three things you’ve never thanked God for? Let gratitude set you apart. Let gratitude change your attitude. Let gratitude turn your heart upward to the Lord.

A Prayer

Father, Teach me to worship with gladness and to come into Your presence with thanksgiving. Remind me that You are God and I am Yours. Fill my heart with joy that isn’t shaken by circumstances. Help me live today aware of Your goodness and faithful love.

In Christ's Name, Amen.