We can clearly see once again that it is an individual choice to be grateful to the Lord which aligns us in right standing with God. Verse 20 completes this verse, saying, “This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it.” How? Through praise and thanksgiving; it is the only key that those who place their trust in the Lord can use to open the gate which leads to His Presence. Philippians 4: 4 – 5: says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” Most of us have no problem with the words “Rejoice in the Lord,” it is the word “always” that seems to be the most challenging, as our spirit is more than willing, but the circumstances in our lives can change without notice, and throw us off our most determined commitment. Psalm 57: 2: says, “I will cry to God Most High, to God Who accomplishes all things for me.” Psalm 138: 7 – 8: says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou wild stretch forth Thy Hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Thy right Hand will save me. The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Thy Lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; do not forsake the works of Thy Hands.” In verse 6 we read, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known…
