"Sometimes we struggle to receive a gift with thankfulness because either the gift doesn’t seem good enough or we don’t feel worthy enough for it. Psalm 124 shows us how to look back on our life, identify the moments God helped us, and mark the trail with gratitude. As we follow Jesus, however, we are called to go beyond “hindsight thanks” and practice looking up with gratitude from the middle of what we’re walking through - whether what we experience feels good or difficult. Both of these practices can be challenging and self-giving, but both also promise freedom and joy as we notice Jesus' presence in our midst and allow him to bring redemptive life and perspective out of whatever we have walked or are walking through."