Thankful

 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4

I love it when science validates what the Bible has taught since the beginning. If you read the news, you frequently come across evidences of God’s Word being “newly learned” by the scientific community. Of course, they do not credit God for saying it first. After all, they seem to operate under the conviction that God is a crutch and His Word is a fairy tale believed only by fools.

In the October, 2016 Reader’s Digest, I read an article called The Goodness of Gratitude by Lisa Fields. After having done a good deed out of sheer gratitude, she felt so great inside that she began to research the benefits of acknowledging the good deeds of others. She found that studies show people who are thankful are actually facilitating their own health and happiness.

Of course, God knew this would be one result of thankfulness. I have no doubt that, at least for one reason, He told us to be thankful to Him because it would bring us joy and health. God has always wanted to bless us, and this is an example of our obedience bringing rewards.

Another aspect of gratitude, according to the article, is that it allows us to “see (ourselves) in connection with things larger than (ourselves).” We see our reliance upon God, and we see Him as our benefactor, when we realize that the good things that come to us are from His hand. “…how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him” (Matthew 7:11)!

We are also told in Scripture to give honor to those who have taught us the Word and who labor for our growth in the faith. This is showing gratitude. “Thank you for sharing your heart, for preparing a meal of God’s Word to feast on, for being diligent in prayer and study, that we might benefit.”

And don’t forget the aspect of good deeds begetting more good deeds. When someone helps me, then I am more likely to help others. When someone thanks me, then I am more likely to thank others. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” (Matthew 7:12). It’s a truth of the spiritual life.

We could just say, as the humanists do, “It’s just human nature to be this way.” OR… we could give glory to God for making us in His image, and for teaching us by revealing His essence of giving and goodness and willingness to bless.

Are you down in the dumps? It’s time to offer praise, and take your thoughts to a place of thankfulness for all His blessings.

Father, we enter Your gates with thanksgiving. No matter what our lives seem to be at the worst of times, YOU are always worthy of praise. Amen.