Would you knowingly withhold from God something you knew that He really wanted? You say, Of course not! Then why do so many of us give God so little of the thanks He’s asked for?
Have you noticed that in our churches we have praise bands–but no thanks bands? And have you noticed no one ever goes to a “thanks practice” at church? Odd. Because we could really use the rehearsal! Ever been to a prayer meeting where all they did was give thanks? Me neither.
Our Praise is More About US!
I submit that we praise more because it feels good to us. Conversely, we thank less because it feels less good to us. Which (sadly) proves our praise is more about us than the One we’re supposed to be praising.
In our lopsided theology, many of us have come to know praise as a happy lyric set to a chirpy tune supported by a thwopping rhythm section. Perfect for waving our hands.
But what on earth are we supposed to do with giving thanks? How do you tap your toe to that?
A Shift in Balance
Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t offer praise. God wants it, loves it, commands it! I’m just suggesting we need to shift our balance more toward thanks. Because the biblical emphasis on thanks is massive:
- I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalms. 9:1
- Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Psalms 100:4 (Notice that thanksgiving leads the list!)
- Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20
- Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
- Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
First Lesson in Humility
It turns out that giving thanks is the first lesson in humility. And because there’s little fun in humility, there’s often little thanks in our living. Yet we Christians are not called to indulge ourselves, but to adore our Savior.
More thanksgiving—individually and corporately—is the course correction we must make now! But why wait? Join me in this simple prayer.
Thank you, Lord—for saving me.
Thank you, Lord—for forgiving my sins.
Thank you, Lord—for preserving me as I walk with you.
Thank you, Lord—that I am not defined by my past failures but by your present grace.
Thank you, Lord—that you are actively at work in my life and have a plan for every moment of this day.
Thank you, Lord—that you have promised, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Thank you, Lord—for your never-ending offer to cast all my cares upon you, because you care for me!
Thank you, Lord—that this earth is NOT our home. Heaven is!
Thank you, Lord—that you long for my unsaved relatives and friends and neighbors to come to Christ even more than I do!
Thank you, Lord—for giving me another chance to learn a thankful lifestyle.
I look forward to thanking you again—today—and every day!
Amen.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay