"Thanksgiving" by Cheryl Laurenza

Psalm 100 (NIV)

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

 Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

 Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations.   

I was reading this Psalm along with the page for November 20th in Jesus Calling last week. Wow, I was and am filled with thankfulness and praise for my standing in Christ, not because of anything I have done or do, but because of His great love and grace.  Even when times are hard, especially then, read this Psalm and that entry in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  I wonder if we really get how much has been done for us and how loved we are.  If you are like me, you have moments, but when things happen and life is hard, we fall into performance mode.  It's as if we subconsciously think that we have to bargain with God, "If I do this, then God will..."  God is good.  He is faithful, and His love endures forever.  

Dear sisters, remind yourselves often that you stand accepted, loved, forgiven...and perfect in Him.  As you gather with friends and family this season, reflect on this Psalm.  You are loved!! 

Cheryl Laurenza

Cheryl Laurenza, MA, LPC, NCC

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