“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:1-5).

In a very brief Psalm, the Lord speaks to His people about their adoration (100:1); attitude (100:2); assurance (100:3); appreciation (100:4) and their allegiance (100:5).

“Grandpa must never have had any problems, Mom,” she said. Thirteen-year-old Kathy was being sincere when she continued, “Grandpa says thank you to the Lord whenever we pray. Today when we went to McDonalds for lunch, he talked to the lady behind the counter about Jesus and then he even thanked her for coming to work today. As we ate, he thanked the man who was sweeping and told him what a great job he was doing. On the ride home he told me that he thanked the Lord every day for his family, friends, and for the Lord’s blessing. How can he be so happy?” she asked. After a moment of quietness, Kathy’s mom responded, “Your grandpa has been through much heartbreak and sorrow in his life. He lives with pain every day. But he’s learned to have an attitude of gratitude that is such an example to us all. He doesn’t live in denial of his problems. But my sweet Kathy, he does live in thankfulness to the Lord.”

For today: I’m challenged by Kathy’s grandfather. How about you? Are you thanking the Lord today as well as others around you?