“Thank God!” Are those words always about God or actually being directed to Him? Perhaps we hear the words frequently through the day. “Thank God I found my keys so I could get to work on time.” Did the speaker actually take time to thank God for having found the keys or was the statement merely an expression? “Thank God it didn’t rain yesterday so I could mow the lawn.” Again, was God really thanked for having left the opportunity for the work? Or how about all the times TGIF [Thank God It’s Friday] is expressed? I’ve known some who disliked that statement because of how flippantly it seems to be used in the world. However, for me it has long been a sincere expression of thanks because of how many times Friday has been the day God has brought my week’s studying together into an orderly format for sharing on the coming Sunday.
What I am merely trying to draw attention to is that when we say “Thank God” — and whatever may follow those words — let it not be something spoken lightly! Let the words be spoken with genuine gratitude to God for His involvement in our life. When we say the words out loud, it is good for others to know it truly is God we thank for what is going on in our life.
Note the following words of David from two psalms. We read. . .
“[18] I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.” (Psalm 35:18 ESV)
. . . and . . .
“[9] I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. [10] For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 57:9-10 ESV)
For us to hear each other thank God when we assemble together can stir further focus on Him and for all we ought to be sincerely grateful. For the world to hear us thank God leaves no doubt where our focus rests and where theirs ought to as well.
“Thank God!” Yes! Let us even say it out loud! However, not merely as an expression, but as the heartfelt declaration of sincere thanks to the One Who is fully aware of everything going on in our life and is willing to lovingly lead and support us through it.
Have a great day SPEAKING GENUINE THANKS TO GOD!
Carl
