Proper Thanks

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalms 107:8-9

I think that one of the first things we’re taught as a child, and one of the first things we teach our own children, is the importance of giving thanks…of saying ‘thank you’.  Two words that carry such weight.  Two words that when not spoken can turn a good mood bad, and that when are spoken can restore one’s belief in humanity.

Giving thanks is definitely an area I would like to work on.  I have a habit of offering a quick “Thanks, God!” when I find the phone I’ve inadvertently covered with a pillow, or when the caller ID displays the kid’s school—and it’s not a call for trouble—but simply a field trip reminder.  When He makes way for a bill to be paid…when He allows me to walk away from a car accident that I should not have survived…when He wakes me up.  Are they always followed with a true ‘Thank You, Father’?  I’ve noticed that I often expect my thanks simply to be known.  In my heart I am giving thanks, but often the expression remains right there, and is not always directed where they need to be.  I’m often rushing through life finding that I feel too busy to give proper thanks.

I know that I need to cultivate a habit of giving true thanks to God—for His wonderful works, for satisfying my longing soul, for easing a hunger that food wouldn’t began to relieve. He has done so much that He deserves thanks to be yelled from mountain tops.

Today I thank Him for His word, for His grace and mercy, for His love that continues despite my short comings.

Let’s pray:
Oh, that men (we, I) would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men (myself, my friends and family)!  For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Thank You, Lord, for all You have done. Thank You for doing these things even we fail to thank You as we should. Lord, place Your hand on our hearts and offer a gentle reminder to slow down and give credit where credit is due. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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