How To Be Grateful (From our 11-2-25 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/HN2l70OPbsE

Summary: “How to Be Thankful”

Introduction: Gratitude in Worship

• The speaker begins by thanking the congregation for investing effort into worship, particularly in making communion meaningful.
• He notes that even the communion bread was homemade, showing love and devotion to God through service.

Story of Corrie ten Boom

• Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker and author, and her family helped hide Jewish people during World War II.
• They were eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp where living conditions were horrific—especially because their hut was infested with fleas.
• Corrie’s sister Betsy reminded her of 1 Thessalonians 5:14–18, emphasizing:
• “Rejoice always… give thanks in all circumstances” (ESV).
• Betsy insisted they should be thankful even for the fleas, though Corrie initially couldn’t.
• Later, they discovered that the guards avoided entering their hut because of the fleas—allowing them to hold daily Bible studies freely.
• Corrie realized God had used even the fleas for good, teaching true thankfulness.

Transition: Thanksgiving as a Way of Life

• The speaker points out that Thanksgiving should not be a single day, but a lifestyle.
• True gratitude is shown through action, not just thought or feeling.

Psalm 100 – “A Psalm for Giving Thanks”

• Psalm 100 is unique because its title is part of the original text, not a later addition—it was literally written for giving thanks.
• In only five verses, there are seven action verbs—showing that thankfulness involves doing, not just thinking.

1. Make a Joyful Noise (v. 1)

• The Hebrew word means “to shout a proclamation,” like a herald announcing news from the king.
• Gratitude cannot be hidden—it should be expressed outwardly.
• The speaker gives an example of writing “Praise the Lord” on a car part, simply to express thankfulness.

2. Serve the Lord with Gladness (v. 2a)

• Gratitude naturally leads to service.
• Service must be done with gladness, not out of obligation.
• Examples:
  • Job—served God faithfully even through suffering.
  • Paul and Silas—sang and prayed while imprisoned (Acts 16:25).
• Choosing joy and focusing on blessings helps maintain thankfulness even in hardship (“We got fleas… but the guards won’t come”).

3. Come into His Presence with Singing (v. 2b)

• Coming before God is intentional, not accidental—it requires preparation and a right heart.
• Worship should be approached joyfully, not out of duty (“I get to worship,” not “I have to”).
• The congregation participates in a song to demonstrate heartfelt worship.

4. Know that the Lord Is God (v. 3)

• Thankfulness begins with knowing who God is:
  • He is Creator (Ephesians 2:10).
  • We belong to Him—“we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
  • Recognizing we are sheep keeps us humble and prevents self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14).

5. Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving (v. 4)

• Thankfulness must be expressed directly to God—say “thank You.”
• Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19).
• Everyday blessings—warm homes, food, safety—should inspire daily gratitude.
• Remember that every good thing comes from God (Psalm 50:10).

6. The Reason for Gratitude (v. 5)

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

• Even when life is difficult, God’s goodness and faithfulness remain constant.
• Life’s valleys are temporary—“I walk through the valley…” (Psalm 23:4).
• This hope is reason enough to be thankful.

Conclusion: Living Thankfully

• Thankfulness isn’t a reaction to comfort—it’s a deliberate act of faith.
• Like Corrie ten Boom, we can find gratitude even in “the fleas.”
• The invitation is extended for anyone who needs prayer, encouragement, or help to find that thankful heart again.