Thank You God

In my box of written treasures, I still have a paper from my son’s kindergarten year that makes me smile every time I see it. The teacher asked, “How does your mom show that she loves you?” My son replied, “She makes me tacos.” Be honest, you thought it was going to be a sweet, touching answer?!
His answer revealed not only that he loved tacos, but also that he felt loved by my actions.
 
One morning, while reading my Bible on the lanai, a surprising summer breeze made its way to my chair and I felt truly loved by God. His action was very personal and loving to me. There was a time I wouldn't have been as aware of His actions or presence, and truthfully, I still miss so much. However, I am very grateful for a book study entitled, A Thankful Heart, by Carole Lewis. During that study we each had a notebook to write down the things we were thankful for each day. The goal was to be more aware and thankful to God for His many gifts and acts bestowed on us all day long.

I remember the day I watched a leaf fall to the ground with such grace, as if showing off in a  freestyle dance. I stood there amazed at our God! This was not my normal practice, but, oh, how I realized that I desired and needed to slow down to see God at work and to give thanks to Him.
This small snapshot in time doesn't do justice to what Scripture has to say about being thankful.

This small snapshot in time doesn't do justice to what Scripture has to say about being thankful.
1 Chronicles 16:34 tells us
​“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.”
​Why do we give thanks? Because we serve an incredible God who is worthy of all our thanks and praise!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus".
It is the Lord living in us that enables us to see that which is praiseworthy. For in every moment of life there is reason to give thanks!

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
The thanksgiving of our heart is received by our Lord as we live out our love for Him through our words and actions of obedience.

Colossians 4:2  “Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
At the most fundamental level, prayer is communication between us and God. Thanksgiving is letting Him know how much we enjoyed and felt loved by His works. 

In all circumstances, whatever we do, let our heart of thanksgiving overflow in prayer and life!

The beautiful thing about expressing thanksgiving is that the more we practice being thankful, the more we see His activity, the more we draw near and trust Him. In His perfect love, even the act and command of being thankful unto our Lord is also for the good of His children.

I remember when our children were quite young, we would begin our prayer time with them by asking, “What did you do today?” Often we would guide them in their recall, and remind them that every good thing is from God (James 1:17) and we want to thank Him for it. Our two-, four- and five-year old daughters began thanking God for everything from the park and their friends to their toys and ice cream.

Today, I challenge you to look beyond what’s next on your to-do list and open your eyes wide, with childlike wonder and excitement for life and really see God, His works and gifts, and give thanks...

Author

Kim White