Gratitude is more than attitude.  Gratitude is exuberant action!

Psalm 100:1-2

1.  Gratitude shouts joyfully to the Lord.

The Hebrew word for shouts joyfully is ruwa.  It is used 33 times in the Old Testament. 

Ruwa literally means:

• to split the ears
• to blast with sound

Ruwa in the Old Testament was:

• a responsive cry of joy to God for His creation
• a responsive cry of joy to God for his deliverance
• a battle cry before engaging an enemy
• a shout of triumph over an enemy

2. Gratitude serves the Lord with gladness.

The Hebrew word for serves is abad.  Abad is used in the Old Testament in relation to serving things, other people, and God.  When abad is used in relation to serving the Lord, it means:

• a joyful experience of liberation – not toilsome labor
• an act of worship

Gratitude done right is exuberant!  It is whole-hearted! 

Whatever you do, do with all your might! (Colossians 3:23)  

Good morning! November is ‘Gratitude Month’ for me. Maybe it is for you, too. So what can we be thankful for today – Election Day? 

If you’re like me, probably the first thing that comes to mind is “I’m thankful it’s finally here and this agony is almost over!” 

But we can do better than that! 

Our kids are learning their ‘B’ memory verse at church this week.  I challenge you to learn it, too.  It couldn’t be any more appropriate for this ‘election results’ week. 

Our children’s ‘B’ verse is Psalm 46:10a.

              “Be still and know that I am God.

But take a look at the rest of the verse, Psalm 46:10b.

              “I will be exalted among the nations.  I will be exalted in the earth.”  

Better yet, take a few minutes and read all eleven verses of Psalm 46 with gratitude in mind. 

Psalm 46:10 tells us that the ability to be still only comes by ‘knowing that God is God’.  So ask yourself as you read, “What truths do I see here about God that will enable me to be still (at rest, calm, at peace) regardless of what happens today?”

• God is our refuge
• God is our strength
• God is a very present help in trouble
• God is with us (count the times this is mentioned in this one Psalm)
• God is our stronghold (count the times this is mentioned in this one Psalm)
• God is powerful
• God is ultimately in control

Do the hard work of controlling your thoughts! Let these truths ring loud in your heart and mind today.  But don’t stop there!

Praise God for Who He is!  Then share your comfort with someone who is burdened and weighed down with all the concerns that Election day brings. 

Happy Election Day!