We are at that time of year when people are more sensitive to the wonderful blessings of life received from an extremely benevolent God. People will pause and thank God this Thursday for all the good things He gives them. Our family has a Thanksgiving tradition of going around the room and everyone specifically stating something for which they are thankful.
We, as Christians are thankful all year long because we know God’s love is not limited to a man-made season. We also know that God’s love is not restricted to the physical realm; the greatest blessings are spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 1:3-14 the apostle Paul begins his letter with a burst of praise for all the spiritual blessings we have “in Christ” (mentioned 11x in this passage). Paul does not write this paragraph just to motivate the readers to be more thankful – Paul cannot help himself. He knows the blessings we receive from God “in Christ” are beyond words and he cannot contain himself. He thinks about who God is and what He has done and he explodes into praise.
How often do you find yourself bursting and exploding into praise to God for who He is and what He has done in your life? How much time do you spend asking God for things as compared to the amount of time you spend thanking Him for all the wonderful blessings He has showered upon you throughout your life?
I want to encourage and exhort all of us to give thanks to God every day for something. Not only will God’s heart be touched by our humble appreciation, it will do us a world of good as well.
. . .Mike