Speaking Words of Gratitude Is Life-Changing

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 27, 2024

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” —Psalm 34:1

From a shepherd boy to the King whose bloodline Jesus was born, David is our ultimate example of praising God even when adversity seeks to take your life. Although the prophet Samuel anointed David as God’s Chosen King as a teen, David remained a fugitive [Approx. 15 years] fleeing from King Saul whose jealousy and rage produced the desire to take David’s life.

During his time on the run, David, hid in caves, navigated through mountainous terrain, experienced nature’s changing climates, often lacked food, was under the constant threat of spies, and had to provide for himself and the men who banded together as warriors like him. The one time he was caught, David pretended to be deranged in front of the foreign king Abimelech [Psalm 34] who quickly released him.

God developed righteous character traits [including humility and obedience] and a warrior spirit in David during his years of adversity. Once David became king, the palace was always tumultuous due to the ongoing animosity from his advisors and subordinates, who could not openly disrespect the king; however, their eyes revealed the covert hostility hidden deep within their hearts. Anarchy emerged from two of his sons, Princes Absalom and Adonijah who attempted to overthrow David, but God intervened, and who can win a battle against God?

“This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.” —Psalm 34:6

As a boy, David tended sheep and played the harp, yet, he was born with a courageous warrior spirit. God empowered [the boy] David to kill a lion and bear with his hands. As a young man, he led King Saul’s armies, defeating countless pagan armies. As King, the command to annihilate his enemies required only a few spoken words, yet, he humbled himself in obedience to God and withstood his grievous trials.

The book of Psalms reveals the King’s constant cries for God’s help and strength, yet, the Psalms are prayers of adoration, gratitude, and trust in the Lord. David, a gifted musician and writer loved God, his praises of gratitude comprise 150 chapters. God called David, “a man after His own heart.” Throughout his life, God reassured David that he was loved and protected—King Saul and David’s sons never had the opportunity to kill David.

“I, the LORD, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, To give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.” —Jeremiah 17:10

Would our praises, prayers, and songs fill a book? When our love and loyalty are genuine, we readily honor God with much gratitude expressed through praise, prayers, and diligent study of His Holy Scriptures. Praise and worship are also reflected through daily surrender and obedience.

Many believers have conflicted feelings toward God as demonstrated by the failure to surrender and obey. It is easy for our worship to become ritualistic. Without loyalty and obedience, we cannot experience spiritual growth. Praise extends beyond church services. When we are in the right standing with God, our praise flows like a boundless waterfall—Abundant love for God produces endless praise!

“Yet I have this against you—that you no longer love Me as you did at first.” —Revelation 2:4

Where do we stand in our love relationship with Jesus Christ who is the Truth, the Life, and the Way? God is Love! We were created to love, praise, and worship God with our hearts, souls, and minds. Whether our sins are unintentional or from the refusal to surrender ourselves completely to the will of God, His love and faithfulness remain steadfast.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” —Ezekiel 36:26

God never abandons us! Great is His Faithfulness! Our Heavenly Father always extends mercies and gives us hope by admonishing us to repent, receive His mercies of forgiveness, and begin again. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). All praises to our Loving Father. Amen.

We are the recipients of Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross. Even in adversity, God is Good. Praise in our earthly lives prepares us for the reward of our forever life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Love for God is revealed in consistent praise—adoration is a righteous character trait. True Christianity consists of a heart filled with gratitude to God expressed through spoken and written words, prayers, and singing.

El Shaddai is one of the ways that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Jacob) is referred to in the Jewish Bible. The phrase is Hebrew. It can be understood as “God Almighty or All-Sufficient God the Sustainer/Provider.”

Only El Shaddai can bless us with the breath flowing through our lungs. The song, “Count your blessings, see what the Lord has done” reminds us of God’s Sovereignty and awakens us from our spiritual sleep. God is our only Source of Life. Today was another day of life, personally gift-wrapped by El Shaddai. Expressing gratitude to God redirects our focus from the receiver (ourselves) to God, the Giver of all good things.

Anxiety, worry, frustration, and defeat cannot exist in those whose hearts are overflowing with gratitude for their daily blessings. David is our example of expressing real love for God through praise and thanksgiving. Every day speak affirmative words, sing songs, and lift your hands in surrender to our Heavenly Father who deserves love, joy, honor, and adoration! Yes and Amen!

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Oh, fear [reverence] the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.” —Psalm 34:8-9

Lord God, we lift Your Holy Name in praise by giving You the honor and glory that is rightfully yours. Lord, we love You and thank You for the continuous blessings of breath in our bodies, health, strength, and our necessities of life. Thank You for Your Divine Intervention when facing adversity and for the peaceful times. Thank You for Your faithfulness, love, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry