When I read this Psalm and meditate on the verses, it reminds me to shift my attention to who God is. It encourages me to look to God with thankfulness and gratitude, not because of my current situation (weary and exhausted after a long ten days working at camp), but because of how good He is. If I look back at my life, I can identify so many reasons to thank Him for the good gifts in my life. In this Psalm, we are encouraged to thank God because He is our Good Shepherd, because He created us. He cares for my needs and takes care of me. This brings me security and peace in Him.
In this Psalm, all the inhabitants of the earth are called to worship the Lord with thanksgiving. What an incredible, joyful picture of creation worshiping the One and only true God. Why should the people of the earth shout for joy and worship with gladness? Because they know that their God is the one who made them, and they belong to Him. They are His people, the sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd. He protects, cares for, and loves His sheep, calling them by name. It is a blessing and a joy to be part of His Kingdom, and praise is the right disposition of the heart to meet with God in His courts.
When we give praise to God, it is not because of what He does or gives, but because of who He is. He is good and that is unchangeable. How reassuring it is to know His love endures forever, and He is a God who keeps His promises to all generations. There is simply no better place to be than to be under God’s loving care!
Our circumstances and feelings might change every day, but the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We can come to Him with joy, gladness of heart, and thanksgiving because of who He is and how much He cares for and loves us, His people. This Psalm is a reminder to keep an attitude of gratitude no matter what goes on in our lives. Let’s look at the Lord and focus on His character and find joy, peace, and security in the truth that we belong to a faithful, loving, heavenly Father who knows us and cares for us.
What a privilege to be called His daughter and be part of the eternal glory that awaits me. God is the source of my happiness and He is the reason I can look up and shout for joy because I know His love is all I need. He loves me forever; nothing can change His love because it is who He is.
Even when I go through seasons of suffering or emotional distress, these verses point to what Jesus has accomplished on the cross and it immediately makes me thankful. I did not have to do anything to deserve His amazing grace! I can live peacefully knowing my salvation is secured by trusting in Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
He deserves all of my attention and is worthy of all praise.
In focusing on the Lord, my heart fills with an overflowing sense of gratitude and thankfulness.
I can only respond to the call in this Psalm by shouting for joy, giving thanks, and praising God because He is good!
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