Just Be 30-Day Challenge
Just Be Thankful – Day 24
Webster says ‘Thankful’ means feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative
Synonyms: grateful, relieved, satisfied, contented, indebted, overwhelmed, beholden
GOD says in Colossians 3:15-17, ‘Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ – the Message – have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way (MSG).’
I wonder if you think like I think…one of the greatest commodities today is thankfulness. It is of great use and value but seems to be coming obsolete. It seems we are swirling in a blender of entitlement, like we deserve everything that is given to us and even way more than is offered. And it affects our attitudes. Instead of a euphemism of gratitude dangling from our lips, disgust and despair drip sardonically because it is never enough that waltzes through the door. What a treat receiving a thank you card that has replaced the assumption that it was owed or deserved, right?
So I was thinking of the Father while this concept was stirring in my soul. He is the greatest Giver I know. There will be none beside Him when it comes to the ultimate gift given. I was drawn to Revelation 21:3-5 in the Message where it reads, ‘I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making His home with men and women! They’re His people, He’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good – tears gone, crying gone, pain gone – all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I am making all things new. Write it all down – each word, dependable and accurate.”’
He dressed Royalty, the Prince of Peace, in human flesh, and He lowered Him down through the folds of time where He took up residency in our tumultuous messiness so He could identify with me and graph my sin upon Him so I might become the righteousness of God. That is utmost, transcendent. The reckoning is overwhelming. He esteemed me worthy enough to sacrifice His son on the altar of my sin.
Not just a thank you note is sufficient. He deserves my highest praise, my deepest worship. I am truly indebted, beholden, thankful.
What are you thankful for today? Maybe a thank you note is a great place to begin!
Day 24 Challenge: Being thankful should not be reserved just for Thanksgiving. Make a list of things that you are thankful for and give God praise. Then, jot a thoughtful note of thanks to someone who has shown kindness to you.
