THE POWER OF GRATITUDE: BLESS THE LORD

We begin a new sermon series entitled, The Power of Gratitude. As we approach Thanksgiving, it is important for us to “count our blessings,” especially after the difficulty of 2020. Difficulty, fear, and uncertainty will drain our sense of hope and thankfulness. Some writers claim there is now a “covid-19 fatigue syndrome.” It is no wonder we find ourselves emotional and spiritually exhausted! It is time to be filled! This week, we turn to Psalm 16. This psalm was written by the King David who understood the difficulty of uncertainty and fear. Before he was king, he was a humble shepherd boy who understood the fear of fighting the predators that would attack the sheep. In the Psalm 16, David helps us find the power of gratitude through a single phrase: “Bless the Lord!” In the New International Version it is translated in Psalm 16:7, “praise.” In the sermon, Bless the Lord, we discover the reason for David’s praise and thanksgiving! David has found a way to be filled even in the most draining moments! As you read Psalm 16, we pray that you will be filled with God’s goodness and a certainty that God is with you! Psalm 16: A miktam of David. Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” 3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” 4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips. 5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (NIV)