Affirmation & Gratitude

I have to say that I enjoy blessing others. I enjoy hearing them say that they are grateful for something I’ve done or something I said. I think just about everyone I know enjoys affirmation. I know for a fact that the Lord also loves affirmation. He says so in His Word.

David was at the end of his life and he was helping make final plans for the transition from the tabernacle to the temple that wasn’t built yet. David charged the Levites to be in charge of helping build the Temple and to also manage the day-to-day operations there. Check this out…

28 The duty of the Levites was to help Aaron’s descendants in the service of the temple of the Lord: to be in charge of the courtyards, the side rooms, the purification of all sacred things and the performance of other duties at the house of God. 29 They were in charge of the bread set out on the table, the special flour for the grain offerings, the thin loaves made without yeast, the baking and the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. 30 They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening 31 and whenever burnt offerings were presented to the Lord on the Sabbaths, at the New Moon feasts and at the appointed festivals. They were to serve before the Lord regularly in the proper number and in the way prescribed for them. (1 Chronicles 23:28-31 NIV)

I think it would have been so cool to have one of those jobs where each morning and evening I could stand and thank the Lord as well as praise Him. I can actually do that anyway even though it’s not my job. The Lord loves a heart of gratitude toward Him.

I believe that something happens when I show my gratitude to the Lord for what He’s doing, that doesn’t happen any other time.

Gratitude in my heart dispels pride.

Gratitude in my heart speaks from humility.

Gratitude in my heart affirms and acknowledges the Lord.

Gratitude changes my entire attitude.

If I start counting the ways the Lord has blessed me – my list can be really long. Even in times of suffering and heartache, it’s important to notice what He is doing even in the midst of struggle. He is relentless in His pursuit of my heart. I believe surrendering my heart to Him is a daily – hourly – minute-by-minute experience. I need to affirm the Lord for Who He Is and notice all that He’s doing in my life.

Pressing On!

Dwayne