Thanks!

Thanks!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalms 100:4 NIV

The Charge:

The author of the psalm is not known, but its message is unmistakable. It is a song that highlights the place of praise amd thanksgiving in a man's walk with God. It is easy to build an air of familiarity around the things of God, especially when you play the role on a daily basis, but it is important that we do not get caught in the dangers of routine and the mundane. This verse lays emphasis on access: how do I come before God in a way that I am sure to be heard and seen, and also have a personal encounter with God? First, it shows that there are gates, which means I need the key, or personal knowledge of the One with the key, if I am to enter the gates.

The key to the gates is thanksgiving. I do not know of any culture in the world that does not know the value of giving thanks. Even among family members, being grateful for whatever someone does or gives would open doors for more to be done. The words used in giving thanks would encourage the doer to do more, because s/he knows more will come. If this works for mortal men, imagine the impact on God when I come to Him with a heart of thanksgiving. I can look back and recall many of the blessings and benefits I have been given. Wants and needs like to be amplified, but I must consciously and daily amplify all that God has done, so He can do more.

The Conclusion:

When I have accessed his gates, I come to His courts with praise. I come before Him, and all I can say and do is to celebrate his power, might and glory. I can see his compassion and mercy, and I know He is the reason why I am still standing. It is from personal encounters or experience that a life of praise is formed, established and sustained. In God's court, only those who know and recognize the power of the place they are standing are permitted to remain there. I must not let the cares of this world distract my heart from the awe of being in God's presence. He is all I need and He has all i could ever need. God's time of favour is here.