Ps. 9 — Thankful
I want it.
I should have it.
I deserve it.
According to Conservapedia, “an entitlement mentality is a state of mind in which an individual comes to believe that privileges are instead rights, and that they are to be expected as a matter of course.” Sounds like today’s society, doesn’t it? What is the antidote to overcoming this greedy mindset? The psalm below offers part of the answer.
I will give thanks to Jehovah with all my heart;
All of Thy wonderful works I will testify;
I will be glad and exultant in all Thou art;
I will sing psalms to Thy name, and to Thee, Most High.Psalm 9:1-2 from Psalm Poems by Thomas M. Seller.
Used by permission.
Oh that we would become more thankful people, recognizing how much we’re blessed instead of demanding more. I need to thank God with my whole heart. As the psalm-poem says, I will testify of His wonderful works.
Maybe the guilt-inducing phrase, “Eat what’s on your plate – the starving kids in Africa would love to have it” isn’t appropriate today. But the message behind it was meant to instill a sense of appreciation. It was an earlier generation’s attempt to cultivate thankfulness. Is gratitude being taught anymore?
In our family it is. A couple days ago I received an email from our 13-year-old grandson that said, in part, “Dear g-pa and g-ma, Thank you for the presents on my birthday. You are the best, really…I’ll probably see you soon. Count on it.”
He was thankful. I was thankful for him. I was thankful our daughter is teaching him manners and respect. I was thankful for technology that delivered the message. I was thankful to be alive to receive the message. I was thankful to God for overseeing all the details from Jack’s birth ‘til now. A heart full of gratitude has no room for ingratitude. A sense of gratitude leaves no room for a sense of entitlement.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with so many good things. I’m not wealthy by this world’s standards, but my life is rich with the love of family. My daily needs are met. I lack nothing of importance. You carry my burdens and I carry your peace. You are an awesome God. May I never take you, or your gifts, for granted.
What about you? Will you share something you’re grateful for? What was the last thing for which you said thanks?
Image courtesy Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalDownloads.net
God's Song 