16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We are to serve Him with gladness. We are to come into His presence with singing because it was God who created us in His own image. We are not self-made people. We are the sheep of His pasture.
He loves us and cares for us, and He is faithful even when we are unfaithful, and all He wants is our obedience and our gratitude. Our thanks. Therefore, we should give thanks to God for all He has done for us and for who He is.
But you know what? God wants us to take it a step higher. He wants us to not only give thanks to Him but to live a life of gratitude. He wants us to live like we are thankful for life. Thankful for the things we enjoy. Thankful for the things we take for granted, like family and close friends. Thankful for the food we eat. Jesus never ate one bite of food without giving thanks. Should we do any less?
I read this quote by William Arthur Ward:
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Dear LORD, please forgive me for not being more thankful. I’m sorry for all of the times I have complained and only saw my glass as half full. Thank You for all that You’ve done for me and given to me. Thank You for Your promises. Please help me to be more thankful and more grateful with each and every breath. Thank You for all the good plans You have for my life; help me to follow them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.