December 5

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

We often wonder what is God’s will for us. We wonder what we can do for Him. Frankly, there is not much that man can do for God other than giving thanks. Everything else would fall in line if we would just start with a thankful heart. Our Lord is totally self-sufficient. Everything is His. Yet, there is that nature within Him that is immensely pleased by a thankful heart. It is not as if His love toward us is conditional; quite the contrary it is totally unconditional. But He knows that when we express thanks, for what He has done and who He is, that we have made the transition to a blessed friendship with Him. It just does not get any better than this.

Often I neglect giving thanks. The world continually cries out for us to make changes—in our work, in our play, and in our knowledge. We are to be climbers to success, the world system says. Yet we have already captured the prize of the universe when we accept Jesus as our Savior. We have this intimate relationship that knows no boundary. We have inherited all that is in Christ. His wisdom, His life, and His grace are ours in abundance.

Today, Lord Jesus, let me begin by thanking You for Your sacrifice at the cross. You died for me while I was yet an enemy. But now, today, I share in Your new life. You have given me a new heart that longs to express thanks to You. Let me do that in an attitude of prayer throughout this day. And I thank You. Amen.
                                        Back