Lord, We are Grateful

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story, those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,”
Psalm 107:1-2.

Expressing gratitude to God is a beautiful act of worship. When we pause to recognize and praise God for all that He has done for us and for all that He has promised to do, from simple joys to extraordinary blessings, our hearts must be filled with awe and humility. Yet in the rhythm of busy days, we sometimes overlook and fail to acknowledge the countless ways God cares for us and delivers on His promise that we will never be left out nor forsaken in our time of need.  How then can we best give God thanks, not only with our words, but with our whole lives?

First and foremost, we give thanks in our fervent worship. We give thanks with our words. Let us not hesitate to speak loudly or to give thanks to God in prayer, in song, or even in conversation with like-minded brothers and sisters who share the experience of God's love and grace, for by our witness, those hearing may be drawn into the circle of believers. When we acknowledge God's goodness in the presence of others, it brings Him glory and encourages those listening towards a fulfilling experience. Try starting and ending your day by thanking God for every blessing, specific blessings, tangible and intangible, requested or granted in anticipation. Remember that God alone knows the issues of our hearts. We may all give thanks for self-actualization, for where God has brought us from, or perhaps where He has delivered us out of. Why not give Him thanks for all the plans He has for us?

 We have to live in thankfulness daily. We know that thankfulness is a choice, even when life feels ordinary or complex, we can find reasons to be grateful. Practicing gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack or what we perceive ourselves to be lacking to what God has given us. Consider journaling on gratitude, regarding how God provides and perhaps surprises you each day. This may help you examine the trust and faith that God is your best friend, a provider in times of need, a healer in times of sickness, and a waymaker when life’s roadmap seems incomplete.

As we give thanks to God for what we have received, we are also called to share generously with others. We call to share our time, talents, encouragement, and resources. When we give out of our grateful hearts, we reflect God's love to those around us.

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
Let your thanks overflow in acts of kindness and generosity.

Service to others is a beautiful way to express gratitude for all that God has done. When we lend a helping hand, extend comfort to a friend, or volunteer our time, we are showing that we recognize God's blessings and want to be a blessing in return. Each act of service, no matter how small, is an offering of thanksgiving. We must be mindful that every seed we sow must be nurtured for it to grow.

Finally, the most profound gratitude or the most fantastic thanksgiving ever is shown in and by our faith. Thanking God and trusting His Lordship, before the request is made, even before you see the answer, even before the gift is received. This faith that we live is the most powerful act of worship. It says, "God, we believe you are good, and we know your plans for us are loving, wise, kind, and gentle." I know that you are a promise keeper, way maker, our light in the darkness, and that your love has no boundary.

So, may our hearts be flooded with gratitude for all that God has given. As we speak, live, share, serve, and trust, may our living be a continual song of thanks, bringing joy to our Heavenly Father.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Written by Gregory Harewood