Dr. Stanley walks us through a number of Psalms that extol God. These verses inspire us to respond to His gracious favor with grateful hearts. When we focus on the Lord, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude that recognizes His goodness, guidance, and provision.
Sermon Outline
Few things are as wonderful as genuine gratitude—especially when it’s directed to our awesome God, who loves us perfectly. Today, Dr. Stanley encourages us to literally shout for joy as we contemplate our wonderful Shepherd.
Key Passage: Psalm 100:1-5
Supporting Passages: Psalm 66: 1-2; Psalm 81:1-3; Psalm 95:1-2; Psalm 98: 4-6
On Thanksgiving, we remember the Pilgrims and ask ourselves why they were so grateful. They came to America for the freedom to worship God. Perhaps they read Psalm 100 to celebrate all He had done for them.
► “Whenever a person trusts the Lord Jesus Christ, it’s the beginning of a new life.”
The 100th psalm …
Is completely positive.
Shows what our attitude toward God should be regardless of what is happening around us.
Tells us to shout, serve, come, know, enter, give God thanks, and bless His name.
Helps us focus on the many reasons we should be grateful.
► “Look back over all the weeks of this year and see all the ways God has been good to you.”
The Psalms tell us to …
Shout joyfully about the fact that we love God (Psalm 66:1-2).
Sing and shout joyfully; make noise (Psalm 81:1-3).
Shout joyfully with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:1-2).
Shout joyfully and sing praises (Psalm 98:4-6).
► “You’re not just anyone—you’re a child of God! That’s reason to shout to the world.”
Here are seven reasons for joyful thanksgiving:
1. The Lord is our God. We worship the true Creator of the universe, not a man-made deity.
2. He is our Maker. He made you unique and created you with a purpose. There are no mistakes with God.
3. We’re God’s own people. We belong to Him.
4. We’re the sheep of His pasture. He is our Shepherd—here to care for, protect, and guide us.
5. God is good. Even if you’ve suffered, don’t forget your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
6. His lovingkindness endures forever. Even His chastisement is done out of love.
7. His faithfulness continues with us throughout all generations. He will always do what He says and will be with us in every circumstance.
► “Think about how intimately loving and personal God is; we should never feel like a stranger with Him.”
The God we serve …
Loves us enough to correct us.
Wants us at the center of His will, where we best experience His love.
Expresses sacrificial love for us; He demonstrates eternal faithfulness and untiring goodness.
Is worthy of our shouting joyfully in thanksgiving.
After Watching
Consider Dr. Stanley’s challenge to look back at the past weeks. What are some of the ways God has been good to you?
We will celebrate Thanksgiving this coming Thursday, but instead of focusing only on the preparations this week, spend some time in Scripture contemplating the many reasons why you are grateful to God. You can even try reading one psalm of thanksgiving each day. (Psalms 7, 34, 103, and 107 are all wonderful choices.)
