I just like David’s statement. Finally, someone who makes it a point to be thankful to his God! Grateful people make me happy; they encourage me and are a blessing to me. I, too, want to belong to that group – those known for their gratitude.
May I introduce you to a few of these “grateful people”? Let’s look at their lives. What is striking in all of them is this: each of them had reasons to be thankful – and they recognized and acknowledged those reasons. Whoever takes the time to look for reasons to be thankful will experience what the hymn writer once expressed:
“Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
David (Psalm 56)
It could hardly have been worse for him: hated by the hostile Philistines and hunted by his fellow countrymen. Wherever he turned, he faced enemies. Just read Psalm 56 to gain insight into his situation. And yet, he found his trust in God (verse 11). Thus far, God had helped him in wonderful ways – even in the presence of his enemies. He could say, “You have delivered my soul from death.” God was on his side. Consequently, he could not help but say:
“I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.”
An Anonymous Man (Luke 17:11–18)
Jesus describes his gratitude as exemplary. Freed from leprosy through a miracle, he returns to express his thanks to Jesus. He has regained his health and has been set free from the bonds of an incurable disease. Isn’t that reason to be thankful? How can one remain silent?
We can truly comprehend his situation when we read: “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him” (verses 15–16).
What was surprising, however, was the lack of gratitude of the other nine who were also healed. Their thanks never came. Regrettably! No wonder Jesus looked around and asked:
“Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Paul (2 Corinthians 9:6–15)
As a redeemed pastor, he cared deeply for individuals. He also carried a profound concern for the churches he had helped establish. He maintained contact with them through correspondence. In his letters, he provided direction, helping the church family live according to God’s principles. He often tackled “uncomfortable” topics – such as giving, in 2 Corinthians 9:6–15. We are familiar with his statement: “God loves a cheerful giver.”
After encouraging the Corinthians to give, he seems to pause for a moment. Then he adds with emphasis:
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
As if to say: Our giving is minimal when we consider God’s great gift – His Son. And for that, he thanks his God. Giving thanks played an important role in his life. That’s why he could also write to others:
“… always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
October is the month of thanksgiving. At least, we are especially reminded of it during this month. God is worthy of our thanks. He has done great things for us. He lifts us up and carries us. He provides for us. He stands beside us in every situation.
Would you like to join the ranks of the grateful? There’s still a place available for you. No pressure – join voluntarily! Perhaps today, at this moment, we can chime in with David:
“I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.” – I want to do it – always and in all situations. I want to be thankful – always – in everything.
Harry Semenjuk
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
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