When I was so much younger, in my high school, I met a friend in the Christian Fellowship. When asked what he wanted from God, he said he wanted a grateful heart. At that time, I did not understand that. There are so many things he could ask for, he asked for that?
In today’s reading of Psalm 34, we read a joyful praise and thanksgiving for answered prayers. We have seen how David sought refuge in God and put his trust in God for deliverence from his adversaries. Today, we read David’s experience from dangerous escapes to profound faith!
David relied on God for deliverance. We can learn from him. Psalm 34 is very clear that God hears the cries of his faithful people and deliverd them from their troubles. See v4. God is recognized as the ever-present source of strenght and help in time of distress.
Like my friend from high school, we should cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When we are thankful to God, we remember his grace and mercy. This allows us to focus on his goodness instead of our problems. We shift our perspective from one of helplessness and frustration to one of hope and joy. We can praise God in the storm.
Psalm 34 encourges us to seek God in prayer. Prayer is not a guarantee for instant solutions. God is sovereign. Prayer is a way for us to express our dependence on god and open our hearts to his guidance. When we submit to God’s will, we must also trust in his timing. We of course wants everything yesterday. However, we do not know any better. God knows better. God knows best.
We do not keep this to ourselves. In v8, we see the invitation to others to come and experience God themselves. While we receive peace from God, we also want to offer this to the people around us, helping them to know God and to be able to depend on God.
We see a contrast of the righteous and the wicked. We need to choose wisely the kind of life we choose to live.
Are you thankful to God? Or are you too busy to be thankful to God? Do we take God for granted? When we show appreciation to man, it changes their attitude towards you. It is likely to improve your relationship. If we can show appreciation and gratitude towards man, why can’t we be thankful to God?
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