Worship and Gratitude

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30 NIV)

Throughout Scripture we see David praising and worshipping God in a variety of ways—playing the harp, dancing to music, and writing psalms. The psalms are authentic and unfiltered expressions of emotion directed at God. David expressed joy, sorrow, frustration, delight, and comfort through them. He felt free to be completely honest with God because of their shared history. He’d seen God protect and provide for him. He’d also suffered great trials and sorrow, but he continued to trust in God’s love and sovereignty. He knew God was his ever-present help in trouble and wanted nothing more than to give God the praise and thanks he deserved. Not only did this honor God, but it reminded David of who was in control.

There are times in my life when I lose sight of the truth that God is in control and perfectly capable of handling everything without my assistance. I decide to shoulder the responsibility of caring for my family and friends. I try to do everything and be everything. I struggle under a weight I wasn’t meant to carry. Often, picking up responsibilities that don’t belong to me results in me slacking on other important tasks such as prayer, worship, and reading Scripture, which are wholly mine. I use the well-worn excuse that I have too much to do and can’t fit them in. Trying to do God’s job ultimately leaves me feeling grumpy, critical, and worn out.

God faithfully reminds me that I’m taking on too much. He encourages me to return to the practices that reestablish me in my true role of beloved daughter, completely loved and accepted apart from performance or accomplishment. It’s a recurring struggle, but I’ve found two activities that are particularly helpful for me. They give God thanks and praise while also preventing me from usurping his role.

The first has been worshiping through song. I have a playlist of popular worship songs on my phone whose words I know by heart. I use shuffle mode, trusting that the songs that play will be what I need to hear. I stand and sing along to several songs, really focusing on the words to remind me of God’s attributes and his love for me. Often, I’m moved and comforted by the truths I sing. Being alone allows me to sing unencumbered by fear of what others may think or how I might sound. I have freedom to adjust my posture into whatever feels most worshipful because there is no self-consciousness when it’s just me and God. It’s a joyful experience.

The other thing that’s helped me to refocus on God has been the practice of gratitude journaling. I spend some time writing down as a prayer to God the things that cause thanksgiving to swell in my heart. It isn’t an exhaustive list, usually just a couple of recent experiences or blessings. Once I finish, I pause and invite God to tell me how he feels about the gratitude I just shared. I write down what I sense to be God’s response. I don’t hear audible words. Encouraging or comforting words enter my mind. Many times it’s assurance of how much he loves me and how he desires to provide for my needs. I come away from this practice feeling more centered and refreshed having been reminded that God’s with me and he’s in control.

Lord, thank you for the Psalms that remind us we can bring all of our emotions and struggles to you. We don’t have to come to you with a happy face, but can express anger, hurt, and disappointment as well. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of praise and thanksgiving. Help us to make time regularly for both so that we can remember the truth of your love and your position in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5 CSB)

“Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20 NIV)

Reach for More

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or worn out from all of your responsibilities? Are you guilty of taking on more than is necessary? Do you engage in practices that help you to remember who God is and who he says you are? If not, consider creating activities to worship and give thanks to God in an authentic and unhurried way.

Megan Byrd is a mother of two who loves reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. When she’s not at a class at the gym, she can either be found perusing used book stores for great deals or exploring her new town of Asheville, NC. She is the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading journey @meganbyrdreads on Instagram or writing about life at meganbyrd.net.

Photograph © Freshh Connection, used with permission