“Thanks a lot!” and “Thanks a lot!” Though the same words, different voice inflection can give those statements entirely different meanings. One could be spoken sarcastically [i.e. “Thanks a lot for nothing. I might as well have done it myself.”], while the other very sincerely [i.e. “Thanks a lot. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”] What marks our thanks to God?
David stated. . .
“(1) I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1 ESV)
As our entire being is to be engaged in a loving relationship with God — heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) — are we living with whole hearted appreciation for all God has done and continues to do for us? When we tell Him “Thanks a lot!”, does that well up naturally from deep within us?
When we stop taking time to count and reflect on our blessings, it is far too easy to begin taking them for granted. Taking the blessings for granted soon leads to taking the Giver for granted as well. God has blessed us in so many ways both physically and spiritually; so much more than we deserve. Being the perfect loving Father He is, He graciously provides day-by-day what we need and those blessings are just a taste of the eternal and more glorious blessings yet to come. With a focus continually toward the Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), may we therefore live every day in a manner reflecting whole hearted thanks!
Have a great day EXPRESSING GENUINE GRATITUDE FOR GOD’S GRACIOUS GIFTS!
Carl
