Sunday, April 23, 2023
An Attitude of Gratitude
Music
Hymn #231
Hymn #246
Hymn #655
Hymn #799
Hymn #828
Pastor Notes
By Jeff Gilstrap
Scripture:
Psalm 116Theme:
Life is not static. Life will present to us both good and bad. In all situations in life, we should praise God and give thanks. This is our choice, and we should always live life with an attitude of gratitude.
Reflections:
The Psalmist has faced some type of life-threatening situation – “Death’s ropes bound me; the distress of the grave found me—I came face-to-face with trouble and grief.” The Psalmist is in trouble and so the Psalmist called out to the Lord for help and God saved him. As a result of God’s redeeming action, the Psalmist responds with praise and gratitude for God’s redemption in his life.
There is no doubt we will face struggles in life. Unexpected death, cancer, divorce, financial struggles, and family strife. The list is long. Life is neve static. As people of faith, we often turn to God when we face trials and tribulations. We seek God’s intervention into our situation asking God to deliver us. Many times, God intervenes, saves us, and once life is back to a steady state, we move on with little focus on God. The Psalmist reminds us we must develop and attitude of gratitude for God in all aspects of life – good, bad, normal, and boring. Because of God, we can choose an attitude of gratitude even during the worst of times. So when we are struggling or celebrating, choose joy, choose gratitude. It will remind us of God’s presence and give us hope in the midst of our struggle
Questions:
- How does the Psalmist respond to God’s saving action?
- Why is it that only turn to God when times are bad?
- How can we develop an attitude of gratitude every day for God?
- How would an attitude of gratitude for God impact your life and your attitude?
Music Notes
By Kenneth Jones
Reflections:
Introit: We begin with one of the hymns based on the entirety of Psalm 116, “I Love the Lord Who Heard My Cry”. The music comes from an African American spiritual.
Opening Hymn: For our “Gathering” hymn, we continue the celebration of Easter. The name of the Welsh tune for “Christ Has Risen While Earth Slumbers” means “lullaby”.
Responsive Hymn: As our response, we use another hymn labeled in our hymnal as Psalm 116, “What Shall I Render to the Lord”, speaking to the theme of gratitude for God’s protection and bounty.
Sending Hymn: Our sending hymn was written by the wife of a 19th-century Presbyterian minister, born of physical and emotional suffering; “More Love to Thee O Christ”. “In all situations in life, we should praise God and give thanks.”
Benediction: Our Easter benediction, “Christ Is Alive! Let Christians sing.”