Gratitude Begins with GOD

Yes we can come!

Jesus is our way in

Praise offerings should be prepared

Express our gratitude!

Because he is a good GOD

Because of his eternal mercy and faithfulness

This Psalm is such a blessing for us today, because the Holy Spirit speaks of a time where all of humanity would unite with God’s people to worship him. In a time where the nation of Israel were regarded as his people. These words should always be on the mouths of us who are God’s people, because it is an invitation to everybody, to come acknowledge, worship and praise the GOD of heaven. What I want you to understand from today’s message is that the essence of gratitude begins with GOD. I want all, no matter where you’re from, where you are, your religious affiliation, whatever the case, to recognize and truly appreciate GOD in the depths of your heart.

Let’s go to God’s house

This verse follows the command for all people to recognize that Yahweh, the name given for Moses, he is the ruler of everything! Then the first blessing in this text is the command to “Enter”. The gate and the courtyard are describing the area outside the temple. The temple is where God placed his name and fame, it was where GOD would meet with the high priests, to hear their requests and communicate his laws. When Solomon finished it, it was filled with a cloud which was the glory of GOD. So this describes access to the presence of GOD, which is never a light thing. It is an absolute privilege for people who have been so distant from GOD, to be invited into his presence.

Application: Can you imagine what it was like to see a thick dark cloud descend in front of you. So thick that it stops everybody from what they’re doing. Brightness that can blind every eye. These were visuals of the presence of the Lord and they commanded attention. It was so much that Moses trembled. All Israel trembled. That is the GOD whom the Holy Spirit is urging the whole world, you and me, to recognize and come to his house

Jesus is our way in

The fact the Psalmist mentions “gates” indicates the temple versus the tabernacle. That also lets me know that going before GOD can be limited. Jesus confirms for anybody today to come to the Father, who is the same GOD, has to go through Jesus. Therefore, understand that Jesus is our way into God’s house! Those who were afar off, were brought NEAR by the blood of Jesus (Eph 2:13)

Be prepared with praise and a thank offering

But how do we come before God’s presence properly? Do we show up any kind of way we choose? Never that. The Holy Spirit informs us here that when one decides to come to GOD, he/she must have some things WITH them. In other words, nobody can show up empty handed. The thank offering, translated thanksgiving, was a gift or sacrifice prepared to offer GOD for appreciation. The other item one must have as they are congregated in the courtyard is some praise prepared. It echoes verse 2 which says come WITH some songs of joy!!

Application: The Holy Spirit expects for all who recognize the Lord as GOD, and would show up at his house, have a sacrificial gift and some praise prepared! In other words, I ain’t showing up at just anybody’s house. We’re going before the almighty GOD. See some folk in the world don’t know how to show up at God’s house. Some in Christ haven’t fully learned how their hearts must be prepared to meet GOD!!

Let’s express our gratitude!

Now that we’re on God’s patio with a prepared heart. The Holy Spirit lets us know that now we need to break out in expressions of gratitude and speaking the utmost about GOD.

Application: Let me help us understand something about giving thanks and thanksgiving. The development of those terms were late and do not fully capture the meaning of the original terms. “Give thanks” does not necessarily exclude saying “thank you”, but it’s not what it means. It is an expression of gratitude in response to the beneficial act(s) of GOD upon me or a community. The term is never used biblically between people, because this expression of gratitude is singing the high praises of or highly magnifying. That belongs to GOD and him alone!! See, sometimes we say “I thank GOD”. The subject is “I”. But expressing gratitude says “GOD you are…!!!”.

Because he is a good GOD

Furthermore, the phrase is tied to a reason, which helps us see that this expression of gratitude is motivated by GOD’s character and how it has benefited our lives. That means in order for me to express this type of gratitude, I’ve gotta recognize what he has done for me and this community. He is good. Everything I deal with may not feel good, but that doesn’t change his character. And I need to realize that every good I have is a result of GOD being good… I’m alive, fed and clothed, right mind, sick, many don’t like me, family or no family, etc.

Because of his eternal mercy and faithfulness

Lastly, because his mercy and kindness stretches past time and he is dependable no matter what generation comes and goes.

Application: See this is where his deliverance and liberation show up. We were all living in evil, but WHEN the kindness of GOD appeared, he saved us!! From our sins, dying in sin, recovered from sickness, rescued me from a rock and hard place, thwarted the enemies plot, helped me overcome that sin and that, etc. His dependability is not subject to the generations or that culture or that land. For that reason, my gratitude begins with him. For from him flows all good things.