Have you said, “Thank you” yet today?
Take a moment right now to think of three things for which you are thankful.
Some come quickly to mind, like family, friends, and a warm house. When we remember who we are giving thanks to, we can dig a little deeper!
How about God’s gifts of forgiveness (John 3:16), peace (Philippians 4:6-7), lovingkindness (Psalm 36:7), refuge (2 Samuel 22:2), and eternal presence (John 10:27-28)?
What about giving thanks for: The difficult times that grew you closer to God? The hard conversations that restored a relationship? Those humbling opportunities to practice forgiveness?
As children of the generous, merciful God, we have so much for which to be thankful. We are blessed beyond measure, and it is good to remind ourselves each day! We do not need a particular day of the year to focus on being thankful. In fact, having an attitude of gratitude will help us honor God as we keep our eyes on him.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV, letter E in Keep on Track).
Do we acknowledge God’s gifts? Do we accept them? Do we thank him?
In any circumstance – good, bad, or bland – we can express our gratitude for being in relationship with God. He is with us; that fact does not change with our circumstance. Do we recognize his faithfulness and his love? Each situation we are in allows us to grow our faith, choosing to trust God and allowing him to work in us. Even God’s discipline can be received with an attitude of appreciation, knowing it is rooted in love so that we may share in God’s holiness (Hebrews 12:10b-11, letter G in Keep on Track).
How grateful are we that we can learn from God’s Word about our Savior, Jesus – the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of him (Hebrews 1:3)? Even as such, he gave thanks to his Father. Even with full knowledge of the utter despair he would endure for us, he gave thanks to God, often. In various accounts, we read that Jesus gave thanks to God for the sustenance he provided, for the wisdom he gave his followers, and for the hearing of his prayers. Jesus was thankful for his constant connection to the Father, which he also allows us to have!
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him… overflowing with thankfulness” (Col. 2:6-7b NIV, emphasis added).