Why Gratitude Cannot Be Forced

About this sermon

Why is gratitude so difficult to sustain? In this teaching on Psalm 100, John Ortberg explores the deeper source of genuine gratitude and why thankfulness cannot simply be forced through willpower. Using reflections from Robert Hayden and his poem Those Winter Sundays, John reflects on the hidden acts of love that quietly sustain human life every day — often without being noticed or thanked. This episode explores: - Why gratitude begins with awareness - The hidden acts of love around us - Psalm 100 and worship - “Know that the Lord, He is God” - Gratitude, creation, and ordinary beauty - Learning to “connect the dots” back to God This is a thoughtful, moving reflection on gratitude, worship, attention, and the goodness of God. Scriptures: - Psalm 100 - Genesis 3 (allusion) - John 10 imagery Resources referenced: - Those Winter Sundays — Robert Hayden #Psalm100 #JohnOrtberg #Gratitude #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Thankfulness #Worship #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Robert Hayden, “Those Winter Sundays” 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Praying Gratitude 00:24 Psalm 100 & Childhood Memory Contest 01:02 Why Gratitude Cannot Be Forced 01:21 What Comes Before Gratitude 01:52 Robert Hayden’s “Those Winter Sundays” 03:04 “Love’s Austere and Lonely Offices” 03:40 Hidden Acts of Love We Miss 04:41 Gratitude Begins With Awareness 05:10 “Make a Joyful Noise” 05:48 “Know That the Lord, He Is God” 06:06 The Temptation to Be Like God 06:25 “I Got to Have a Life” 06:42 We Are the Sheep of His Pasture 07:12 “Connect the Dots” Back to God 07:56 “The Lord Is Good” 08:18 Ordinary Gifts & Everyday Glory 08:54 Jesus & the Lonely Offices of Love 09:13 Gratitude Overflowing Into Service

Topics

• Gratitude
• Thanksgiving