Psalm 107 - Giving Credit Where It’s Due

‘Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice.’ - Harvard Medical School

- ‘Thing One. Thing Two. Two thankful Things.
They’re thankful for what each day brings.
For things to learn. For things to make.
For glue, to fix them when they break.
For stories, too… and games to play.
The Things are thankful every day.
For each other. For surprises.
For creatures of all shapes and sizes!
For trees and leaves… and a pie (or four!).
There’s SO much to be thankful for.
But most of all. Things One and Two,
are thankful for… a friend like you!’ - Dr. Seuss

1. Reflect [on the steadfast love of God]
- Rom. 1:21-22

2. Respond [to the steadfast love of God]
a) Thanks God for it
- Ps. 65:9-11
- 1 Cor. 4:7
- Eph. 5:20

b) Tell others about it
- Gal. 2:20
- ‘The cross reveals what we deserve from God. We cannot receive the grace of Christ apart from seeing and embracing the undeserved disgrace of Christ.’ - Jason Meyer
- John 3:16
- Rom. 10:13

3. Repeat
- 1 Thes. 5:18
- ‘As far as feelings go, perhaps it is easy or natural for anyone to have a sentiment that borders on thankfulness. After a hearty meal or a productive day at work, we sit back and say, “Boy, I sure am thankful! I have been blessed.” It’s an appropriate feeling. But… because of the nature of our hearts, the feeling quickly dissipates, and the emotion subsides. Soon the good things that have been granted are soon taken for granted.’ - Reuben Bredenhof

- ‘...just as a fire eventually flickers and dies out if left untended, gratitude can easily weaken and fade away if ignored in a world of distractions, busyness, and painful troubles. Daily life throws cold water on the smoldering embers of gratefulness in our hearts’ - Sam Crabtree