“On your feet now—applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD. He made us; we didn’t make him. We’re his people, his well-tended sheep. Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. For GOD is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.” Psalm 100:1-5 MSG
Seems like now-a-days everyone needs a password. Online bank accounts. Social media accounts. Online shopping accounts. Online sports accounts. And on-and-on. It’s VERY important to remember your password so you can actually enter your account, otherwise, you won’t be allowed in. No matter what. You need to first prove, with your personal password, that you have the right, the privilege, to enter into that account. Well, there is a password needed to enter and make ourselves at home with God. After all, He is Thee God. God of all gods. God, GOD! He is the One who made us. (We sure didn’t and couldn’t make ourselves.) We are His people. We are the sheep He tenderly cares for (and sheep are in desperate need of a Shepherd.) So, what IS this super-duper password we need to use? “Thank-you.” Yep. That’s it. “Thank-you” acknowledges His rightful place. Colossians 3:17 tells us, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God the Father through him.” “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give THANKS in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 And lastly, Ephesians 5:20 “giving THANKS always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” A grateful heart recognizes that “everything is from Him, to Him and through Him.” He is God and you are not…and that thrills you! You applaud Him…giving God a standing ovation. Praising Him. Worshipping Him. You are increasingly aware that all glory and honor belong to Him. You revel in His sheer beauty. You’re enraptured by His love and count on His never-ending loyalty. And as you gaze upward, to heaven, with a grateful heart, all you can do is utter, “Thank-you.” He smiles and reminds you that’s all you need. That’s the password.
