Two Feet of Thanks



When challenges arise I meet them head on with a heads up, competent attitude.  I attempt to take care of whatever comes my way with caution and do diligence to rectify the problem.  But when all of my efforts have failed to produce a positive result, and a brick wall reduces me to tears, it is at this time I call upon the Lord for help. 

It’s not as if I wake up each morning anticipating trouble, having thoughts like, “If I’m hassled today I’m going to face it with vim and vigor, and succeed on my own!”  This type of disposition can be interpreted as having a prudent proviso, whereas, this would be a bit imposing upon oneself if it were not their personality, which is the case-in-point—this is my personality. 

Mornings like these can only breed self-inflicted attitudes with a doom and gloom mentality throughout the day.  There are people living in this state of existence and constitution that have not surrendered behaviors and cares to Jesus.  The Bible tells us in (1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

It’s not my intension to be zealous and eager to tackle the job without support; I just do it and then ask myself later, “Why didn’t I include God in the beginning of this conflict?”  I’m striving each day to “let go and let God” have the reins to my life.  It is working. 

It’s an uphill battle of trying to learn how to submit my will to God’s will, because of my personality being as it is, but God shows me each time that I include Him in decision making, or simply trying to locate something that I’ve misplaced, the answers come quickly after having asked God for help.  These times reinforce the knowledge that it’s sensible to include Him in all that I do.

One would think a lesson should be learned quickly.  Though I’ve been a Christian for some time now, it’s an ongoing process of God teaching that He wants me to involve Him in every area of life; all I need to do is ask. 

I’m doing much better in my persona and personality traits, because I am growing in grace.  God is long suffering, patient and kind.  He is teaching me to trust Him.  My learning curve is much higher today than it was yesterday, or the day before.  I’m learning that God’s grace is more than sufficient for character flaws and behavioral problems. 

Jesus said in (Luke 11:9-10), “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  vs.10 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” 

You may ask, “Why do you refuse or forget to include God in the beginning when facing something?”  I don’t know I just do.  I guess I’m a slow learner or a bit hard headed.  Perhaps you are like me.  We can all be a little hard to deal with at times, but God, being the tolerant and loving God that He is, understands us better than we know ourselves.  With all of our shortcomings He never leaves or forsakes us.  You can count on this!  You can count on Him! 

At times it seems that God is slow to answer, but He is always on time; never late.  The answer may not be exactly the way we think matters should be handled, never-the-less, God provides what we have need of, because we matter to Him and He wants the very best for all of us.

Another area that I’m sincerely working on is remembering to thank God, intently, for the answers that He grants to my prayers; not just throwing up a “pop praise” or two.  We must thank Him abundantly for His faithfulness before moving on to the next challenge.

In pressing matters when prayer remains foremost, and the desire to have our petitions met is all that we can think about; we seemingly pray miles and miles of prayers with humility and faith, but when it comes time to open the floodgates of thanks and praise for the answers that God provided, we tend to give Him about two feet of thanks.  This is wrong!  Christians should not exercise the spirit of neglect.  The problem isn’t with God, He has shown Himself faithful; worthy of fervent praise and thanks for what He has done.

Anytime God answers prayer in our life we need to cry out to Him with the same measure of thanks as we prayed.  God loves praise.  The Bible says that He inhabits the praises of His people.  I want to please God and love Him unreservedly by demonstrating not only through action, but in word, that He reigns supreme in my mind, body, and spirit.

When was the last time you stopped what you were doing and took a moment to thank God for who He is and for what He means to you?  Try it!  You’ll be amazed how quickly He responds to your affection.  God is patiently waiting to hear from you.  He has never failed to stand with you amidst everyday responsibilities that you face.  Thank Him for doing so.

When we place God at the beginning of our to-do list, somehow the rough edges of life are smoothed out as He speaks contentment and peace to our soul; at the same time helping us to achieve our dreams, while strengthening our walk in Him.  He is worthy of more than two feet of thanks.  Let us praise Him from the inner most part of our being.

Abundant living is experienced when we praise and proclaim Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Praise God!  Blessed be the name of the Lord!  Holy is the Lord and mighty is His name!  May our praise and thanks be manifested unto you this day!

Written by,

Papa Boyd