How many times do we tell our kids to say, “thank you”. The number is infinite. We beat that drum equally as hard as our parents did to us. “Did you send those thank you notes yet?” I cannot remember how many times my Mom asked me that. It was usually because it was January or February. My birthday is in November.
I did not always like writing thank you notes. I tried that trick where you write the same thing over and over again. Just insert a new name each time, but don’t forget to get the gifts right! Regardless of how I managed to get it done, and no matter how long I put it off, I always felt so much better thanking the gift giver. It works the other way too. I try not to expect thanks for gifts I give, but when I get thanks, it feels really good. There is something that is just right about saying, “thank you”.
When was the last time you said, “thank you” to God? Have you tried that lately? Saying “thank you” to God is a form of praise. Did you know we were made to say “thank you” to God? It is how we’re wired. Paul says, “Devote yourselves to prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). Paul also writes that God’s grace to us is designed to “cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15). Jesus Himself repeatedly gave “thanks” to God throughout His life and ministry.
When you give thanks to God, it does something to you. Giving thanks is an unselfish act in a selfish world. Giving thanks points the compass of your heart and soul toward God. It helps you have the proper posture before God to receive His blessings and understand your purpose. Giving thanks helps you find your true north.
