I was reading Psalm 103 this morning and was struck by King David’s words of gratitude for the goodness of God following a period of sin and repentance.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 103:1–2). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

David comes before God with praise – an offering of worship. It struck me that when we come to God in a posture of gratitude, we begin to remember all the amazing ways he loves and cares for us. In the twelve verses following verses one and two above, David recounts all the ways God has given him great things. If we approach God with a sincere heart of gratitude, he will be faithful to do the same for us.

1. He forgives.
2. He redeems.
3. He fills our lives with good things.
4. He gives us right standing and justice.
5. He reveals his character and his deeds to us.
6. He is compassionate and merciful.
7. He is slow to get angry.
8. He is filled with unfailing love for us.
9. He does not constantly accuse us or remain angry forever.
10. He does not punish us for all our sins.
11. His unfailing love for us is higher than heaven.
12. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west.
13. He is a tenderhearted father, who leads with compassion to those who fear him.
14. He knows we are weak and sees us for who and what we are.

Here’s the thing…as amazing and miraculous as that list is, it doesn’t even scratch the surface of God’s goodness to us. The question I have to ask myself today – and everyday, is what will I walk in today? Will it be gratitude or entitlement? Remember, we cannot be simultaneously grateful and feel entitled to something we do not have, but think we are owed.

Will you join me in spending a little time today giving him praise and glory, reminded how truly blessed we are in Christ?