Part 2

“The seeds of depression cannot grow in a grateful heart.” Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,” (Philippians 4:6). “In everything give thanks. For this is GOD’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Jealousy, envy and a coveting spirit breeds an attitude of ingratitude, all of which will rob us of our joy.

On the other hand when we begin to count our blessings and actually name them one by one, it really does surprise us what the LORD has done. When we enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, worship brings a joy to our souls that nothing else can match. For all that YOU have done, for all that YOU are, for what only He can do or is going to do, I will thank YOU. Being grateful and expressing thankfulness to GOD produces joy in our lives. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”  (2 Cor. 9:15).

Never underestimate how our joy is directly connected to our worship and our songs of praise to GOD. “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with songs of praise,” (Psalm 95:2). These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng,” (Psalm 42:4).