Philippians 4:6 in the NLT encourages us to, “Tell God what you [we] need, and thank Him for all He has done.”
Now let’s be honest, we got the ‘telling’ part down pat, but sometimes we’re hit or miss when it comes to the ‘thanking’ part. Unfortunately for some of us we don’t give thanks more because we are more concerned with self-preservation. In short, we struggle with idolatry and I’m not talking about little statues people put on our mantels.
Idolatry referenced in this devotional means to place trust in something or someone other than God. It might be a belief in ourselves (self-idolatry) or trust in the economy (Mammon) or government. Some of us look to our spouse or family to deliver us. Others place their trust in a mentor or expert (counselor, pastor, or leader.) Some of us worship our work, our hobbies, or our favorite cause. At the end of the day, every hood and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17).
Real quick, you remember the story of Jesus healing 10 people with leprosy found in Luke 17:11-19. This is one of several good biblical examples of how thanking God “for all he has done” affects happiness.
From all historic biblical accounts, people who had leprosy were social outcasts. Nobody wanted to get close to them for fear that they might get leprosy. But Jesus treated all 10 with compassion, healing each one of them. Yet the Bible says that, after being healed, only one turned back to give thanks: “And he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]” (Luke 17:16 AMP).
The truth of the matter is no one knows the reasons why each of the other nine men did not return to give thanks. But, I do know that if I were part of the 10, there would have been two to turn back to give thanks (1 Black Man and 1 Samaritan). You see, giving thanks to God is not just about being thankful….it’s called worship! Worship is our response to God’s grace, mercy and power.
So, like the leper who turned back, are you grateful for what Jesus has done for you? When was the last time you authentically got your worship on??
If I am speaking to you, please turn to God in prayer today, and happily thank him “over and over” for all the good things He has done and because we serve a God that can make the impossible-possible, go ahead and worship Him for what He is getting ready to do in and through your life!
It cost us $0.00 to thank God for all the blessing He is given us.
4GIVEN 