WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME
When was the last time you thanked God for the water in your house to drink?
When was the last time you thanked God for the AC that keeps your home cool?
When was the last time you thanked God for the heat that warms your house?
When was the last time you thanked God for your electricity?
When was the last time you thanked God for each appliance that serves as your mechanical servant?
When was the last time you thanked God for your water heater?
When was the last time you thanked God for the 2 bathrooms in your home?
When was the last time you thanked God for a garage to keep your car in?
When was the last time you thanked God for your eyes to see?
When was the last time you thanked God for your ears to hear?
When was the last time you thanked God for your mind to think?
When was the last time you thanked God that you could breathe?
When was the last time you thanked God for your ability to walk?
When was the last time you thanked God for your hands and all they allow you to do?
When was the last time you thanked God for the gifts, talents, and abilities he’s given you?
When was the last time you thanked God for the beautiful sights you see out your window?
When was the last time you thanked God for the wonderful vehicle you have to get you around in such comfort and safety?
When was the last time you thanked God for access to a dentist?
When was the last time you thanked God for the medication you use to keep you alive and functioning?
When was the last time you thanked God for the wonderful foods you have to eat?
When was the last time you thanked God for the job you have that provides for your needs?
When was the last time you thanked God for the bed that you sleep on?
When was the last time you thanked God for the clothes you wear?
When was the last time you thanked God for the wisdom he’s given you?
When was the last time you thanked God for listening to your troubles, bearing your burdens, answering your prayers, and comforting your soul?
When was the last time you thanked God for the guidance of his Word, for a Bible in your own language you understand, and the blessing of his commands and promises?
When was the last time you thanked God for the new person he made you?
When was the last time you thanked God for the Holy Spirit living inside you?
When was the last time you thanked God for saving you from a stupid, foolish, ruinous way of life?
When was the last time you thanked God for saving you for all eternity, keeping you out of hell, and forgiving all your sins?
When was the last time you thanked God for the spouse he gave you?
When was the last time you thanked God for each of your children?
When was the last time you thanked God for his constant love and care?
When was the last time you thanked God for being unceasingly faithful to you?
When was the last time you thanked God for being your Rock and Refuge?
When was the last time you thanked God for the extraordinary ecosystems of our planet that sustain your life?
When was the last time you thanked God for adopting you into his family and giving you an incredible, fantastic future to look forward to?
This level of thoughtful specificity in offering thanks to God is the kind of gratitude God desires most of all. If you want to bless the heart of God, if you want to make his day, if you want to bring him joy, then let your heart overflow daily with this kind of meaningful gratitude. This is the kind of thanks that truly honors God, the kind that will change your life. This kind of thanksgiving should and must be our daily practice.
Psalm 50:7-14, 23 NLT
“O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly bring to my altar. But I want no more bulls from your barns; I want no more goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. Every bird of the mountains and all the animals of the field belong to me. If I were hungry I would not mention it to you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. I don’t need the bulls you sacrifice; I don’t need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God! For giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me!” —God
Ephesians 5:20 NLT
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
