PSALM 92:1–2 – It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.”
THEME OF THE DAY: GOOD SPIRITUAL HABITS. We are creatures of habit. I am not sure any person would deny this reality. Each of us practice habits ranging from morning routines when we get out of bed to driving patterns and the list goes on and on. Habits may be good. Habits may be bad. For all the good ones we have in our lives which keep us organized and directed, there are probably some habits that are not healthy, even might be detrimental to our spiritual health. And speaking of spiritual health, today’s scripture offers to us four very profitable spiritual habits to incorporate into our lives if they are not already practiced. These four provide for a well-rounded Christian life, and if they become a daily part of our walks with the Lord will surely lead to spiritual growth in Christ, conformity to Christ, and a more effective witness for Christ.
First is the habit of giving thanks to the Lord. We know this is a command and to be always practiced in all circumstances and that all the time- give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Yet, this is a command that easily falls victim to “spiritual amnesia.” We simply go through the habits of life and the responsibilities of life too often failing to recognize God’s hands and blessings leading to the neglect of giving thanks. Well, if that is us, let’s change it. Develop a daily habit of thanking God throughout the day. It will change our lives.
Next, build the habit of praise or worship into our lives – It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High. This habit isn’t based on a good feeling generated from a song; some insight gained from a book or sermon; or from some “emotional high” that is mistaken for a spiritual encounter with the Lord. Worship is willed. It is a choice we make regardless of circumstances. A great example is the minor prophet Habakkuk –Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18). The circumstances he found himself in were bad. Famine and dangers abounding for the people of God, yet, he chose to praise. Build this habit into our lives as well. Choose to praise in seasons of pain as well as times of relative ease. It will change our attitudes in difficult circumstances and bring pleasure to the Lord.
A third habit is a morning one – declare your steadfast love in the morning. Ask God to help us to establish the habit even before we roll out of bed of declaring with thanksgiving and praise God’s love to us. It will orient our thinking in heaven, give confidence for daily living, and bring deeper joy as we walk with the Lord. This too is an act of the will and let it begin with greeting the morning pondering the greatest display of love ever – the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.
The final good spiritual habit from today’s scripture is an evening one – declare your faithfulness by night. Learn to make the last Person we talk to before we put our head on our pillows be the Lord. As we do, look back over the day and thank Him for all the displays of His faithfulness He showed us. There will be many.
Yes, we are creatures of habit; some good, some not. Develop good spiritual habits of daily giving thanks to the Lord in all things, praise to Him at all times, remembering His steadfast love at the start of each day, and then ending our day declaring His faithfulness we experienced throughout the day. These habits will change our lives.
PRAYER: “Father, help me to build good spiritual habits that draw me closer to You.”
QUOTE: “Building good spiritual habits is the way to grow in Christ and conform to Him.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim