Our mothers taught us good manners.
They were careful to teach us the rules of polite and socially correct behavior toward other people. To show proper respect, common courtesy, and kindness—always. Saying “please” and “thank you,” “you’re welcome” and “excuse me.” Holding a door for another person. Listening without interrupting. Not talking while you’re eating. Never chewing gum in church.
For example, we were taught—and we teach our children the same—that before leaving someone’s house, it is the right thing to do to express thanks for the good food, good conversation, and good time. To always show appreciation after someone says something nice to them or after having a fun day at Grandma’s house. “Did you say ‘thank you’?”
I read Psalm 100 many times before I realized that the psalmist had a different idea. He wrote:
“ENTER into his gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4 KJV)
He suggested that we show thanksgiving and praise—as we ENTER. As we enter the church, as we enter the sanctuary, as we enter the LORD’s presence in worship and prayer … the first words in our hearts and on our lips should be words of THANKS.
It may seem backward to some to offer thanks FIRST, but that is precisely what the the psalmist is suggesting. When we approach God, we should come with a heart that is already full of thankfulness—bearing baskets heaped with joyful acknowledgement for what God has already done: the protection, provision, and physical comforts He has already provided.
In fact, if we say nothing else … we should give voice to our thanks and PRAISE.
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 KJV)
I have a dear friend who recently shared a story of her time as a missionary. She and her husband were called to serve in a land on the other side of the globe—new people, new customs, new everything. After arriving, she was earnest to learn the culture of the people there as quickly as she possibly could.
One day, a new friend invited them to “tea.”
The word tea can mean different things in different cultures, but to my American friend, it meant “a cup of hot water with plant leaves soaked in it.” You know, tea. Maybe with a cookie on the side.
The hostess had also suggested that she “bring a plate.”
“Okay,” my friend thought. “We’re having just tea at dinner time? Odd … but, oh well. And what did she mean, ‘bring a plate’? Perhaps she doesn’t have enough plates for all the guests? Or maybe she wants me to bring an empty plate for leftover cookies? How thoughtful!”
So, not wanting to show up too hungry, they ate a light meal before going to their friend’s house for “tea.” And on their way out the door, she remembered the empty plate.
When they arrived at the home of their hostess, they discovered the truth. She had prepared a full spread of food, beautifully laid out on the buffet—with a space left empty for my friend to put HER “plate.”
Poor dear. My friend was mortified. She hadn’t realized in THAT culture, “tea” meant substantially more than a hot drink. And to “bring a plate” meant to arrive bearing a plateful of something tasty she had made to share. A token of appreciation.
My sheepish friend learned very quickly what those words meant in that culture, and she never made that mistake again.
But it made me think. How often do we approach the Throne of God in a similar fashion?
We show up at the altar with a full belly and an empty plate. We come expecting to have our desires fulfilled, but having already satisfied ourselves with the pleasures of the world.
Perhaps when we approach the presence of the LORD, we should consider what to bring. Instead of a wish list, a hungry heart. Instead of empty hands, a basketful of appreciation, garnished with sincere gratitude for His faithful provision. Instead of bringing nothing but needs, perhaps we should consider arriving with nothing but praise.
“Let us COME into his presence with thanksgiving … for the LORD is a great God.” (Psalm 95:2-3 ESV)
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was about to face an overwhelming army—actually three armies—threatening to invade his land. He told the Lord, in essence:
“I have no strength to fight against this enormous adversary! I don’t even know what to do! But, Lord, my eyes are on YOU!”
Just fixing his eyes on God was the inspiration he needed. Instead of sending the infantry in with arrows and swords, he appointed singers—in the front of his army—to go into the fight FIRST, proclaiming:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:21 ESV)
What was the result? The Scripture text says: “And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” (v.22)
The enemy was defeated without a fight. And, on top of that, it took three days for Judah to collect all the spoils!
Their strategy was to ENTER into the battle with praise and thanksgiving—and, as it turned out, that was all they needed. After all, the battle was not theirs, but the LORD’s. He turned their palms of praise into weapons of warfare—the victory was won, and they went out rejoicing!
The Lord already knows our needs, but He wants to hear our thanks. What would happen if we let thanksgiving and praise precede our petitions as we focus on His goodness and all He’s done for us? We might discover that our needs are fewer—and less urgent—after we FIRST present our “plateful” of PRAISE as a token for what He’s already done.
Shall we try it?
Prayer: “LORD, as I ENTER this new day … this new week … this new challenge … this new season, let me be mindful how I enter. I am so grateful, yet I come with an appetite to know you more—to love You more. For YOU ARE good, Your mercy IS everlasting, and Your truth remains unchanged generation to generation—forever! Amen!”
