I watch our grandchildren and marvel at their manners at times. It is awesome to see them learning how to be grateful by using phrases like, “Thank you Papa, for the candy or pancake,” or K.K. , thanks for letting me spend the night at your house.” Their gratitude makes us proud, and hopefully it develops humility in their tender hearts. Their childlike appreciation endears us even more to their humble spirits. A humble and grateful heart captures other hearts. A lot of things in life are overrated, but being a grandparent is not one of them!
In a similar fashion, our heavenly Father is drawn by our humble praise and gratitude for His goodness and glory. He inhabits the praises of His people. He shows us favor when our heart’s sole desire is to desire Him. When we thank Him for the simple gifts of a meal or a warm home, it warms Christ’s heart. Jesus gains more of us and we gain more of Jesus when we give Him sincere appreciation. So, we say, “Thank you, Lord, for giving us time to be with You.”
Though uncomfortable at times, it is for our benefit when we are humbled by our circumstances. Perhaps we rushed to make a decision only to discover we did not have all the facts. The consequences of our choices can make us better or make us bitter. Thus, we learn to thank the Lord in the middle of a thankless responsibility. We may feel taken advantage of, but we know our heavenly Father will take care of us. When we still praise and thank Him in the middle of difficult days, He can entrust us with more blessings. Gratitude to God grows our humility.
Therefore, be intentional in expressing your appreciation to your heavenly Father. Humble yourself in worship, praise, confession, and repentance. Tell Him how grateful you are for Him. For God’s love, thank Him. For God’s grace, praise Him. For God’s healing. Acknowledge the Lord’s blessings and favor from a humble heart, and He will raise you up to represent Him. Indeed, God uses your gratitude to develop your heart of humility and grace. He is drawn to your contrite spirit. The Lord looks with favor on a faith full of gratitude and humility.
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV
Team Wade loves you and is praying for you ❤️👊
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