Beyond Sunday: Worthy of Thanks

Beyond Sunday: Worthy of Thanks

[Editor's note: Beyond Sunday is a Monday refresher to carry you through the week.]

Focus Verse of the Week

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4)

Commentary

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving. To the occurrence of the word thanksgiving in this place the Psalm probably owes its title. In all our public service the rendering of thanks must abound; it is like the incense of the temple, which filled the whole house with smoke. Atoning sacrifices are ended, but those of gratitude will never be out of date. So long as we are receivers of mercy, we must be givers of thanks. Mercy permits us to enter his gates; let us praise that mercy. What better subject for our thoughts in God's own house than the Lord of the house.

And into his courts with praise. Into whatever court of the Lord you may enter, let your admission be the subject of praise: thanks be to God, the innermost court is now open to believers, and we enter into that which is within the veil; we must acknowledge the high privilege by our songs.

Be thankful unto him. Let the praise be in your heart as well as on your tongue, and let it all be for him to whom it all belongs.

And bless his name. He blessed you, bless him in return; bless his name, his character, his person. Whatever he does, be sure that you bless him for it; bless him when he takes away as well as when he gives; bless him as long as you live, under all circumstances; bless him in all his attributes, from whatever point of view you consider him.

(Adapted from Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David.)

A Thought to Keep

When we focus on our problems, we forget that giving thanks must be as natural as breathing. No matter our circumstances, God is worthy of thanks. Let your praises rise and enter His presence.