The gift of a thankful heart blesses us more than we probably realize. In fact, a thankful heart can drastically affect our success and failure as followers of God. Keep in mind that thankfulness to God cannot be feigned. We may say “thank you” casually to someone or even say it and not mean it; but, when it comes to having a thankful heart to GOD, He knows our motivation. In fact, when the sacrifice of thanksgiving was instituted in the Old Testament, the Bible says:
“And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.”
Leviticus 22:29
In other words, offer it of your own free will—not because someone else is forcing you to do it. Saying “thank you” to God without meaning it is like when you apologized to your sister as a kid because your parents made you do it. It means nothing. God knows if our heart is thankful.
If our heart is unthankful, it will destroy us as well the opportunities God is giving us!
What??? Yes! Unthankfulness is a failure to acknowledge God for Who He IS. This is not limited to unbelievers. I know. I was a believer who lived many years as if I was the center of the world. I failed to acknowledge Him for who He is and thus, was unthankful. It lead to great pain and destruction in my life. The book of Romans says:
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”
Romans 1:20-23
If you read the rest of Romans chapter 1, you will see the great destruction that results from a heart that is unthankful to God. But…
A thankful heart produces healthy desires and draws us into God’s presence where HE will fully satisfy us.
Indeed, when we begin to count the blessings God has given us, we are swept away in thankfulness. We remember His greatness. He becomes our greatest desire and satisfies us to overflowing. Our life is enlightened. Our path is clear before us.
If you are struggling to have a thankful heart, ask God to help you. Pray from the Psalms and ask God to use His Word to transform your mind and make Himself the center of your desires. He loves you so much and will answer your prayers!
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV
“The LORD is good to all: And his tender mercies are over all his works.”
Psalm 145:9
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; And his truth endureth to all generations.”
Psalm 100:4-5
Giving yourself the gift of a thankful heart will bless you more than you can ask or imagine!
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