Thankfulness

I keep a ‘Thank You’ book. I was inspired some years ago by the story of a woman whose life was transformed by writing down ‘thank-yous’ to God each day. I love writing these ‘thank yous’. I record all sorts of things – anything, however big or small, which has blessed me. It might be, for example, when I see a woodpecker or a deer close up; or a young mother and her child singing a folk song together at the tram stop; or a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Such things give me joy, for I see them as personal gifts from my heavenly Father. I believe they bless God’s heart too, and somehow recognising this brings me a feeling of greater closeness to Him.

I love looking back over the pages and reading what I’ve written, because each ‘thank you’ reminds me of the situation and I’m blessed again! It’s also a great way to put into practice what’s written in Philippians 4:8, ‘Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praise worthy – think about such things’.

Of course, it’s easy to thank God when we feel blessed. But God’s Word tells us to give thanks in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we’re going through times of trials and suffering, it’s not our natural inclination to give thanks, but even in times like these, God wants us to give thanks to Him - and there’s always a good reason for everything God tells us to do.

In today’s verse, God says that giving Him our sacrifice of thank-offerings honours Him, and in doing this, we prepare the way for Him to show us His salvation. This thanksgiving is from our spirit, thanks for who we know God to be – faithful, trustworthy, loving and compassionate, Sovereign God in spite of what He’s allowing us to go through. I believe it has more power than we can imagine, working to disarm enemy involvement and release more of God’s power to work His purposes in us, and in the situation.

I’d like to think I’ve inspired you to keep a ‘Thank-You’ book. But even if not, let’s ask God to open our eyes to all the good things He blesses us with each day, not least for His faithful presence with us, and let’s make a decision to turn our hearts more often in thankfulness to Him.

Prayer: Dear loving Heavenly Father, Your heart is to bless us in every way imaginable. Please forgive me for times when I haven’t responded in gratitude. I choose now to cultivate a daily lifestyle of thanksgiving, and I ask that You’ll open my eyes to see all the ways You bless my life. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.