No Thanks

The title of this writing is not a statement, it’s a question.

It is a privilege to send prayers to heaven requesting help from God.  It’s always wonderful to experience the blessings that come when He answers them.

I consider it shameful when a person fails to thank God for His faithfulness, because they are too busy living life, doing “more important” things.  I am sure God appreciates praise.  He expects us to be thankful in all things.  He wants us to express our gratitude for the miracles He brings our way.

When I sometimes fail to recognize God for who He is, or forget to thank Him for answering prayers, I can almost hear Him ask, “What?  No thanks?”  When I am not diligent in thanking God like I should, more than likely I have gone my merry way without even a nod of thanks to Him.

Of course, this is wrong, but God is patient, and He lovingly teaches me the importance of giving thanks.  This is where discipline is learned and respect steps in.

It is rude and dilatory for a person to not express their appreciation for needs met and the food they eat.  Everyone likes to hear the words ‘thank you’ when they do something nice for someone.  God is no exception.

It must grieve God’s heart when we fail to honor His supremacy and neglect to reverence Him for the love He demonstrates to us each day.  It is sad when people take His love for granted and do not give thanks for prayers answered.

When my children were young, if they failed to say ‘thank you’ to someone that gave them something, I would make them aware of what they should have done so they could do better next time; God does this with us, His children.  This teaching comes under the heading, “respecting others.”

To bring it closer to home, I offer this question.  Have you ever held the door open for someone, or allowed a person to go ahead of you in a grocery store line, or waved someone into traffic when it seemed difficult for them to get out, but they failed to recognize you in some way with a simple wave or thank you?

I think we have all experienced non-appreciative behavior in people.  Sadly, it seems the lack of respect is becoming more prevalent in the day in which we live than ever before.

I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t leave a good taste in my mouth, but looking at it from God’s perspective, it pleases Him when we ignore negative thoughts and put into practice certain Bible scriptures.

(Acts 20:35), “…And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

(Hebrews 13:16), “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Sometimes this is hard to do.  God’s Word teaches that we should not expect anything in return when we do something nice for someone, but it is always nice to be recognized and appreciated. 

With God’s help and being the source of my strength, I try not to get my knickers in a twist when someone ignores my kindness.  As for me, I endeavor to exercise common courtesy and respect to others, especially Almighty God.

I feel that it is my duty as a child of God to respect our heavenly Father when He does something nice for me by audibly saying, “Thank you.”  He shouldn’t have to nudge me and ask, “What?  No thanks?”

The Bible says that we are to give thanks in all things, but it is hard to do when situations go south, contrary to the direction we want them to go.  When we thank God in both good and bad, it helps us cope with the downside of situations that can impact our emotions negatively.  We then walk in peace.

(Romans 8:28), “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

We remain levelheaded with the knowledge that if God is for us then who can be against us.  We walk in victory without slumping our shoulders because someone offended us by not saying thank you. 

God is sovereign over every situation.  Nothing takes Him by surprise.  We may not receive praise on earth, but God is smiling in heaven when we give away from ourselves without expecting something in return.

(Psalm 37:23), “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”

As hard as it may be to praise God in every trial of life, we need to give Him thanks anyway, because He has everything in control.  When we believe that He does is when we walk circumspectly before Him.  Remember, God is bigger than what we face.

Written by,

Papa Boyd