Traveler's Log

Michael Kennedy

February 10, 2012

Today's Passage: Psalm 30

Hi everyone. My name is Michael Kennedy and I have been attending GCC for almost four years. My wife Christina and I are small group leaders and serve on the hospitality team. We have three awesome children - Alex, Claire and Abigail. I enjoy nights out with my wife, gaming with my son, singing silly songs with my girls and rooting for my alma mater Kansas State. My coolest adventure, beyond my family, is having visited China and walked on The Great Wall.

Key Verse:

O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong;
You hid Your face, I was dismayed. (Psalm 30:7)

Central Truth:

When our life is prosperous and happy, we must always remember that it was not so simply through our own achievements and independent attitude. God's favor can bring great blessings and peace when we glorify and give thanks to Him.

THE HABIT OF PRAISE

How often during the day does something happen that makes you burst out with a "Thank you, Lord!"? I do that all the time. It pops out mostly when some small disaster has been averted, or when I stumble across something I almost forgot to do.

At night I give thanks to Him for any significant events that happened that day as well as the everyday blessings like good health and keeping my family safe. It's almost become a habit to thank Him. That's a good thing, right? But, after reading Psalm 30, I don't think 'habit' is a good way to describe how to give praise to the Lord.

In Psalm 30, David recalls his arrogance and independent nature which almost got him killed. He then realizes that God's grace is where his blessings come from and he wishes to praise God for that. How easy it is to become over confident and think, "Man, I am good," when life is going well. We all do that because it feels good to be in control and successful.

Each of us has personal skills we use to be successful. Some are natural like leadership, or work ethic, and others we get through education. But all of them are gifts from God. We use them for personal and spiritual growth, but make no mistake, without His grace we would have no foundation.

My accomplishments pale in comparison to David's, but does that make them any less a blessing from God? Do blessings have to be spectacular, like slaying a giant, to be considered God's grace and worthy of praise?

Forgetting about God's grace and not giving praise can lead to trying to make our own decisions regardless of His will. As I said earlier it is a habit to include thanks in prayer. But now I realize making it a habit is only the start. This isn't a casual "Thanks, Lord." This is my heart singing your praises and it will not be silent. "O Lord my God, I will praise you forever." (Psalm 30:12b).

Discussion Questions:

What things in your daily life cause you to praise and thank God?
How hard is it to sing God's praises even when times are tough?
Do you give immediate praise to God throughout the day?

Comments

David Cotterill

February 13, 2012 07:16:31 AM

Well done Michael, your insight into the scripture and life in general shows great wisdom. God bless you and Claire and all your family. Carolyn and I are very proud of you! Hope to see you one of these days. Later... Dave & Carolyn