Gratitude is not just our outward expression of praise; it is our daily sacrifice. In the Old Testament, a sacrifice was a sacred offering to God, laid on the public altar for all to see. The psalmist wrote, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me.”
There are days when gratitude for God is a natural emotion. There are other days when gratitude might be more of an effort. The psalmist encourages us to order our way “rightly” and we will see the salvation of God.
Sometimes God blesses our sorrow or grief with that same joy. To order our way rightly requires us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). That is God’s will for each of us in Christ Jesus.
Our sacrifice of praise is to glorify God in all circumstances by living with him as our “strength and our shield” (Psalm 28:7). Everything on earth can be going wrong and we can still offer God a sacrifice of praise. Christians understand that our peace and our gratitude transcend the things of earth.
Jesus made himself a sacrifice for us, and we can make our lives a sacrifice of thanksgiving to him every day, regardless of our trials. We know, and will one day experience, the salvation of God.
Wisdom is offering our gratitude to God. To praise God in the rain takes wisdom. Wisdom is also necessary to see beyond a difficult circumstance with the knowledge that God will redeem it for our good if we are called to his higher purpose. Wisdom will prompt our sacrificial praise that will bring God glory. What praise will you offer to God today?
