Finding Gratitude Amid Holiday Stress: A Reflection on Psalm 100

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:4-5

Dear Friends,

With Thanksgiving just around the corner it is a perfect time to consider all of our many blessings. But let’s be honest – how often do we get caught up in the festivities that surround the holiday season and forget to actually give thanks?

If you are like me, the busiest time of the year begins at the end of November. The schedule fills up with invitations, preparations, and plans as we anticipate all that lies ahead. It may be considered the most wonderful time of the year by some, but it is also the time of the most activity and stress.

Gratitude Takes Intentionality

In the midst of all of the hurry and scurry, it is easy to forget the purpose of the holiday. Gratitude takes intentionality, and if our mind is elsewhere, thanksgiving can become an after thought or squeezed out altogether. In fact, some “Scrooges” can’t wait for the exhausting season to be over so they can return to real life.

I remember the first time the sparkle of the holiday season faded for me. I was overwhelmed with raising five children and juggling all of the pressures of life in general. The added stress of all the season’s festivities put me over the top, and I felt like a small donkey struggling under a load of huge expectations. It was hard to find the energy and time to actually be thankful.

Over the years I have realized the value and importance of clearing out space in my busy schedule to focus on gratitude – not just during the holidays, but every day. We truly have so many things to be thankful for and by recounting them we will be surprised how our attitude and outlook on life changes.

A Wonderful Psalm of Thanksgiving and Praise

Psalm 100 is a wonderful Psalm of thanksgiving and praise. The author is so overwhelmed with gratitude to God that he can’t help but shout for joy. As he considers all God has done for him, his heart bows in adoration while his arms stretch upward in praise.

Consider the Psalmist’s reasons for thankfulness:

• The LORD is God: There is no one more powerful and loving than He.
• The LORD made us: He is our Creator and knows everything about us.
• The LORD owns us: We belong to Him and He lovingly cares for us.
• The LORD is good: His love and faithfulness endure forever.

Surely, these incredible blessings give us reason to pause and give thanks! And stemming from these come all of the other blessings we experience on a daily basis.

It’s true that holidays are busy times. But let’s not get lost in all the superficial activities and forget the intended purpose. Start today by making a list of all the incredible gifts you have been given. Then enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Bow your heart in adoration, raise your hands in worship, and give thanks. For the LORD is good!

Love,

Mama

What are you most thankful for this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below or start your gratitude journal today!

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