The intent of this writing is to point out how often we may forget to thank the good Lord for bringing us through a crisis or horrible event that we thought would never end.
I know I am guilty, at times, of not giving God thanks,
because of my busy schedule or the fact that I do not want to relive the awful stigma
that followed hard times. That which was
inflicted on the mental state of my psyche was probably too significant to
experience again… out of sight, out of mind, as it were.
How often do I forget to thank God for the food I eat by
saying grace? I can say a few times because
I am so hungry that I fail to remember as I chow down, but this is no excuse.
How often have you prayed for God to help you find something
you misplaced, and the moment you ask for help you go right to it? I know I have. Do we thank God or go about our business as
if we found it on our own?
The reminder here is to not forget to thank the Lord for His
attention in such matters, whether big or small. Whatever concerns us, concerns the Lord. He wants to be involved in all areas of our
life. We need only to ask Him.
Negative impacts of past sins can bring self-condemnation
even though Jesus died on a cross for our wrong doings. How often do we still carry the guilt of skeletons
in the closet and try to extinguish these fiery memories with self-help books, psychotherapy,
and positive thinking, but the shame remains?
Certain types of therapy can certainly assist the Holy Spirit in helping
us cope with hurtful things.
Sweeping bad recollections under the carpet, figuratively speaking,
cannot erase and wipe away the humiliation and dishonor of former things in our
life. Only God can forgive and extend
mercy and grace for such things.
We can give our remorse to Jesus and accept His total forgiveness,
thus being able to walk in peace where calmness of spirit resides. This is the abundant life that God wants us
to live. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is the way, the truth, and the life.
How often do we pray miles of prayers, petitioning God to
take away problems? And when the air
clears and we can see clearly where to take our next step, we may pray two or
three inches of thanks, if any. This is
sad and unacceptable, in my opinion. How
quickly we forget the victory He has brought in the face of opposition as we,
again, allow ourselves to become caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday
living.
Giving God thanks should be top priority on our list of important
things to do, because He deserves all our praise and adoration. I believe He expects it.
How often do I fail to recognize the One who sustains me and brings
success to my searching soul? I am remorseful
to say, too many times, but the Holy Spirit is helping me do much better. A person is never too old to learn new
lessons to draw them closer to God Almighty.
Remember the ten lepers spoken of in (Luke 17:11-19)
in the Bible? When Jesus was on His way
to Jerusalem, ten men who had leprosy met him.
Afar off, they cried out to the Lord, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests, and as
they went, they were cleansed. Only one
of them came back, praising God in a loud voice and threw himself at Jesus’
feet and thanked him.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Jesus expected them to at least show their
appreciation, but they had other things on their mind more important than
showing gratitude for their healing.
When you do something nice for someone, how does it make you
feel when they snub you or do not say thank you? I rest my case.
I know we are supposed to give away from ourselves and not
expect praise in return, because we do it unto the Lord, but a simple thank you
now and then goes a long way in helping our feelings to become bolstered and
strengthened.
You’ve heard, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,”
but there is nothing wrong with saying thank you just the same. It is common courtesy to do so. How often is God waiting for our admiration
to thank Him for His many blessings?
Sometimes we are like spoiled brats that expect special
treatment, because of who we are. Yes,
we are children of God when we accept Jesus as our Savior, while God’s promises
are ours, but this is no excuse for a person to not give thanks and devotion to
our deliverer from trials that beset us.
I do not want to be like the nine unappreciative lepers that
failed to thank Jesus for their healing.
Instead, I want to give praise where praise is due. Jesus deserves more than a nod of the head
for His miracles.
Thank God we have a heavenly father that loves us dearly and
is long suffering regarding our unresponsive nature. Shame on us for forgetting our responsibility
to lift the name of Jesus for all He does.
Two or three inches of thanks or a nod are not sufficient to
honor Jesus for dying on a cross for our sins, and suffering the scourging that
shredded His flesh for our healing. We
need to take heed to not take things for granted when miracles and blessings
flow from God’s thrown of mercy to us.
How often did the Israelites, God’s chosen people, complain
to Moses after being set free from Egypt’s bondage? It was ongoing. I do not want to be like the ungrateful
complainers that they were. I want to
give God all the glory and not forget to say thank you when He answers my cry
for help.
Thank you Lord for Who You are, what You have done, what You
are doing, and what You will do for me, because You love me.
How often has Jesus disappointed me? Never!
He always exceeds my expectations—every time! Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness!
Written by,
Papa Boyd
