Gratitude
Scripture Reading — Psalm 107:1-16
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. . . .
A couple of years ago we decided to plant a garden. Our kids had been bugging us to try one, so we made it a family project. We did some research and got started, learning by trial and error as we went along. We took time to nurture the soil and worked hard to protect our plants from the various creatures that also wanted to eat from our garden!
One of the fruits we planted was strawberries. They did okay the first year, but much better the next year. Our time and energies paid off, and we had a nice crop of tasty berries.
It also takes time and effort to harvest a fruitful spirit of joy. One of the ways we cultivate joy is to practice gratitude, making an effort to be thankful to God and to others.
We cultivate joy when we spend time with God in his Word and let him remind us of his faithfulness throughout the ages.
We cultivate joy when we recognize God’s redemption story as our own story, pondering with gratitude the gift of salvation offered to us in Jesus.
Today, as you reflect on what it means to live as Easter people, take some time to give thanks. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” The Lord is indeed good!
Lord Jesus, we thank you for all you have done, all you do, and all you will continue to do. Help us to cultivate lives of thankfulness and joy as we live in your faithfulness. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Laurie Zuverink
Laurie Zuverink is an ordained pastor who has served in several capacities of ministry in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. Her work ties into the lives of young people, and her passion is to empower and equip the next generation of servant leaders. Pastor Laurie and her husband, Mark, have three children—one in grad school, one in college, and one in high school. Pastor Laurie enjoys deep conversations, bike rides, exploring the shores of the Great Lakes, and watching well-played soccer.
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