“The Attitude of Gratitude” (Ready to Worship S10E3)

September 6, 2019

Ready to Worship Season 10, Episode 3 for Friday, September 6, 2019

This season on Ready to Worship we are examining the attitude that we are to have in worship. If we struggle in any area, it is probably in this area. In this installment of our study, we are going to examine the attitude of gratitude. In the long ago, the psalmist asked, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? (Psa. 116:12). First, It seems clear from the question that the psalmist knew that something should be rendered or offered to the Lord. How anyone could live on God’s green earth, bask in God’s yellow sun, swim in God’s blue water, and eat God’s golden harvest without wanting to give something back to God is beyond me. Second, it seems clear that the psalmist knew that he had been richly blessed. He spoke of ALL of the benefits that he had received (116:12; cf. 116:7). They were more than could be numbered (Psa. 40:5). His cup overflowed (Psa. 23:6). Third, and finally, it seems clear from the question that the psalmist was searching for what to offer to the One who had given so much to him. Of course, we have been given even more today. There are some common sense guidelines in giving gifts. In giving gifts, to the best of your ability, you always give gifts as close in cost and in number as you have been given. When this is not possible, as is the case with giving to God, you give something very personal. You give yourself. You give heartfelt gratitude. This is not only a conclusion that we have reached in our day. It was the conclusion that the psalmist reached in the long ago. He wrote, “O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord” (Psa. 116:16-17). As we get ready to worship this week, let’s remember all that we have been given. Since we cannot give an offering that matches what we have been given, let’s give something very personal and heartfelt. Let’s give ourselves and our thanks.