“You help keep your life in cadence with Christ as you allow gratitude to govern your pace.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 23, 2023
He [Jesus] went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities. Luke 8:1-2, NKJV
Gratitude seeks close proximity with Jesus. The spirit of thankfulness can’t wait to be with the source of the One who is responsible for such a rich life. Rich in what is truly life…Christ Himself. A grateful life longs to be with the One who saves, heals, and blesses them. As Willie Nelson’s 1980s Grammy-winning song celebrated, “On the road again / Just can’t wait to get on the road again / The life I love is making music with my friends.” These lyrics bring to mind Jesus making His way through cities and villages, announcing the good news of His Kingdom. Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, all walked with Jesus bubbling over in gratitude for their generous Savior’s love for them. They gave back to Him from a thankful, generous heart. Walking with Jesus and making music with Jesus, dancing through life in grateful praise to Him!
Spurgeon gives a beautiful rendition of how a believer’s gratitude and gladness flow into the music of praise to God, “The Christian feels that he may delight himself not only in what God is but also in all that God has done in the past. The Psalms show us that God’s people in olden times were wont to think much of God’s actions and to have a song concerning each of them. So, let God’s people now rehearse the deeds of the Lord! Let them tell of his mighty acts and ‘sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously.’ Nor let them ever cease to sing, for as new mercies flow to them day by day, so should their gladness in the Lord’s loving acts in providence and in grace show itself in continued thanksgiving.” Being with Jesus sings praise to Jesus!
Perhaps the Lord is reminding you to replace your dread with dancing, to lift your spirits with joyful praise music to energize your walk with Jesus. Gratitude actively engages the eternal through adoration of your great God’s generosity. Even in your suffering, there is reason to rejoice. Heaven may be a heartbeat away, so stay fixed on Jesus, who endured pain and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Indeed, sorry can be sticky and hard to remove, and remnants may be present, but rest in and celebrate the blessing of being with Jesus now and forever. Intentionally listening to His loving voice in quiet places and praising Him in His creation warms your grateful heart in genuine worship of Him. You help keep your life in cadence with Christ as you allow gratitude to govern your pace. Cease striving for more of the world and thrive with the One who has more than you will ever need or want. Make sweet music with your Master, dancing along the way. Gratitude and gladness give the heart a new song to sing as you walk with Jesus!
“Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:3-4).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your new mercies each morning gladden my heart, and your generous love puts a bounce in my step through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
Consider journaling each day for 30 days, one thing for which you are grateful to God.
Related Reading
Psalm 95:2; 2 Corinthians 9:11; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore: Praise
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