Psalm 116
¹ I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
² Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
³ The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
⁴ Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!"
⁵ The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
⁶ The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
⁷ Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
⁸ For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
⁹ that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
¹⁰ I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
¹¹ And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."
¹² How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
¹³ I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
¹⁴ I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
¹⁵ Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
¹⁶ O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant ; you have freed me from my chains.
¹⁷ I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.
¹⁸ I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
¹⁹ in the courts of the house of the LORD—in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

1. Showing thanks to God is important:

1. It makes common sense to thank God.

2. It is commanded of us because it’s healthy.
   Psalm 95:1&2
   ¹ Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
   ² Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
   Colossians 3:15
   Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
   Philippians4:4-7
   ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
   Failing to be thankful shows rebellion and lovelessness.

3. Expressing thanks completes the enjoyment of something/someone

4. Thanks keeps us aware of God’s presence in and around us.
   Psalm 75:1
   We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

2. How can I cultivate a thankful heart?

1. Sit down and reflect
2. Read through Luke in one sitting.
3. Read a story of a Christian who trusted God in difficult times.
4. Spend time praising God.
   Psalm 50:23
   He who sacrifices thank-offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him, the salvation of God.
5. Give without expectations
   Luke 6:35&36
   ³⁵But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
6. Express thanks to God while you are around other people especially when you are in the middle of difficulty.

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Preacher: Rob Flaherty | Permanent Link