God's Glory Church

“Thank the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever!” — Psalm 106:1

According to research, people who are consciously grateful for what they have have better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness and a greater sense of happiness. These are impressive benefits. Psychologists even suggest keeping a “gratitude journal” to improve our well-being, writing down five things for which we are grateful each week.

The Holy Scriptures have long encouraged people to show gratitude. The Bible calls us: everything, from food and marriage (1 Tim. 4:3-5) to the beauty of creation (Ps. 103), to accept as gifts and thank the Giver for them. Psalm 106 lists five things for which Israel can be especially thankful: deliverance from the wilderness (vv. 4-9), freedom from captivity (vv. 10-16), healing from sickness (vv. 18-22), safety at sea (vv. 23-32), and prosperity in a barren land (vv. 33-42). “Let them give thanks to the Lord,” the psalm repeats, because all these are signs of God’s mercy (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).

Do you have a notebook at hand? Why not write down five good things you are grateful for right now? It could be the food you just enjoyed, your marriage, or God’s salvation in your life today. Give thanks for the birds singing outside the window, for the aroma from the kitchen, for the comfort of your chair, for the whispers of loved ones. All this is a gift and a sign of God’s mercy.

Why do you think the Scriptures so often exhort us to be thankful? What five good things are you grateful for today?

Heavenly Father, I am grateful for every good thing you have brought into my life. But most of all I am grateful for You.

Author: Sheridan Voysey