Faith is thankfulness in advance.

Based upon God's reputation we can be thankful beforehand.

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.

The password to God's presence is thanksgiving.  

Psalm 100:4  (NIV)

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.

We can be thankful because His reputation makes Him credible.  

Psalm 147

1 Praise the Lord.

How good it is to sing praises to our God,
    how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Don't get so excited with what's coming that you're not thankful for what you have.

Matt Minor, Church of the Highlands, Grand view Campus