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 to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Once we submit to this simple request, and align our spirit to be obedient to praise and be thankful to the Lord, He undertakes to accomplish what concerns us. In verse 7, it says, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely; whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Here we see the importance of getting a hold of our mind and bringing it into captivity to the obedience of Jesus that we may choose to dwell on His attributes, and not our circumstances.
Hebrews 12: 2: says, “Fixing our eyes (looking away from all that will distract to) on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter (Leader and Source) of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right Hand of the Throne of God.
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so very much for Your unending Mercy, Grace, and Keeping Power. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and quicken us to have our eyes and minds completely focused on the Lord Jesus Who intercedes for us before the Throne of Our Heavenly Father. Fill us afresh with overcoming Power that we may continue to be trustworthy, faithful and pleasing in Your Sight. Glory to You alone!
