If Psalm 20 was how to ask God please for something properly than Psalm 21 is how to say thanks. We all know the difference between a grateful thank you and a polite thanks. We drill it into our kids to at least mumble out a thank you that trails off with the direction of their disconnected eyes. There is a small victory when you hear them say "thank you" without having to remind or threaten them to say it. It is a hard habit to enforce and but being taught to be grateful is a lifelong gift. My daughter Brooke, only around 2 years of age, threw a tantrum in the underwear section of Kohl's because she refused to thank the saleswoman for a compliment on her hair bow. When I prompted her to say thanks she folded her hands, turned up her nose and refused. I removed the bow and said then you don't get to wear pretty things in your hair if you can't express gratitude for a compliment. Insert blood curdling scream and running through the store as if her hair was on fire here. She continued for what seem like an eternity while looks of disapproval and sympathy from other patrons met my frustrated and embarrassed eyes. She finally submitted and we found the woman to give it another chance. Thanks were expressed by Brooke but then the woman thanked me for sticking to my guns to teach my daughter the importance of gratitude. Now you may disagree with my parenting tactic but we can all agree that being grateful is an important quality that is always appreciated when expressed. The Lord is also likes to hear a thank you once in a while and not just for the things He gives us but also for His very character, who He is and what he has done. All we have comes from the Lord, give glory and thanks to him for his blessings. How can you thank Him today? Who did God use to minister to you this week? How can you express your gratitude?
Psalm 21 Questions -
1. Have you acknowledged and recognized God in the strength and victories He gives?
2. What do you desire? Do you actually ask for it from God? There is an ask and receive relationship with most of these blessings.
3. We are crowned with pure gold because Christ was crowned with thorns in our place. Have you thanked Him for his death on the cross for your sake recently?
4. What are some of the victories He's given you in your life? What is God's purpose for giving you those victories?
5. What shakes you? What sends shivers down your spine? Have you ever said, "Please Lord anything but__________". Harm my family, take my job, ask me to evangelize, love that person, give my comfort up, inflict me with a physical problem. If He is our solid foundation and Rock no shaking will undo us.
6. Do you feel the heat from verses 8-10? Is there an unsaved friend or family member you will commit to pray for so they will not face this punishment?
7. Who is successful in God's eyes? Worlds eyes? Your eyes?
8. How can God's strength be exalted and demonstrated to others in your life today? Where are you weak, ask for strength that could only be attributed to God.
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