Psalms DAY 11

DAY 11 - That’s An Order!

Psalm 107:1

Gratitude is that thing most of us think we should do but maybe aren’t so good at. But it keeps pushing its way back in front of us. Study after study links gratitude to health and happiness. The Bible agrees! But the authors of Scripture insist on aiming our gratitude the right direction.

Many psalms start with a statement or a question, but Psalm 107 starts with a command: “give thanks.” What are two things we first learn to say? “Please” and “Thank you.” Most of us recognize some need for simple politeness. 

But it’s more than that, isn’t it? How do you feel when someone demands something when they could’ve requested it? How do you feel when someone doesn’t express gratitude for something thoughtful? How do you feel when they never say “thank you” even though you repeatedly cook dinner, make coffee for coworkers, or pick up after roommates? You don’t think that’s about manners, you think it’s about right and wrong. That repeated absence becomes a sin of omission. 

What about God? Do we owe God a “thank you?” Our songwriter thinks so! If anyone deserves a “thank you,” it’s God! We’ll learn more about why this week.

REFLECT
How many times a day do you say, “thank you?”

PRAY
Thank you, God, for teaching me about gratitude. I open myself to you today and this week. Amen.