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(Presented by Lisa Bishop)

When was the last time you sat before the Lord and thanked him? Really thanked him—expressing your heartfelt gratitude to Jesus?

Here is another Psalm of David. This one gives us a rich example of what it looks like to pour out our hearts in thanksgiving to God.

King David had many highs and lows in his life. David experienced hardship, loss, suffering, fear, anger, worry, and despair. In the midst of being hunted down by his enemies, we see a man who passionately pursued God as his faith was being purified. Psalm 138 are the words of a man faithful to God and grateful to him in all seasons of life.

Let this be your prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord.

I will give you thanks with all my heart;
I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your constant love and truth.
You have exalted your name and your promise above everything else.
On the day I called, you answered me;
You increased strength within me. If I walk into the thick of danger, you will preserve my life
from the anger of my enemies.

You will extend your hand; Your right hand will save me.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Lord, your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of your hands (Psalm 138:1-8 HCSB).

Prayer is an authentic outpouring of our thoughts and emotions to a holy God who hears us; a gateway to intimacy with God as we humbly come before him acknowledging his goodness and faithfulness.

It can be easy to thank God when things in life are going according to your plan. But do you praise him when it feels like your life has taken a detour or dreams are delayed? Do you express gratitude in times of trouble because you know God’s character? Do you thank him that he will never leave you nor forsake you and that he is with you in the middle of life’s storms?

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.”

Praise is not something conditional based on our circumstances; praise exposes the condition of our hearts. How will you spend time pouring out your heart to God in gratitude this week? He is worthy of your praise.