“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. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things.” Psalm 103:1-4
Jesus, of all the artillery you’ve given us for spiritual warfare, none are more effective than gratitude and worship. You sent a band of worshippers into battle against three of Israel’s waring enemies—the “Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites” (2 Chronicles 20). The enemies of our heart-peace are not as obvious, but just as daily, pervasive, and lethal.
Gospel-amnesia, comparison, judgmentalism, envy, fear—these are just 5 of a plethora of joy-assassins and peace-saboteurs that constantly attack our hearts. And they do so from within.
So, on this July Saturday, we take up King David’s revolutionary song of thankfulness and praise, and make it ours. In our most gospel-sane moments, we know the things for which we can be/should be grateful outnumber our whine-worthy, heart-vexing items 10 to 1 if not 100 to 1.
Here are just 5 of a far greater “plethora” than our opposition: (1) Complete forgiveness. (2) The gift of your perfect righteousness. (3) Adoption as Abba’s beloved children. (4) The Spirit of Sonship. (5) Citizenship in heaven. What the heck, let’s make that 7! (6) Your constant, indefatigable, measureless delight in us. (7) Your commitment to make all things new, including us.
Jesus, if we just remember and stay alive to these 7 of-a-gazillion, the devil will run, hearts will soar, and our feet will dance. So VERY Amen.