Daily bedtime routine with my son includes taking a bath, reading a book and prayer. However, after a really busy day at work, I had very little energy left to follow through with the routine and I was very excited when it was finally time to say the night prayer. After I prayed, he asked if he could pray for me. I was pleasantly surprised and said, “absolutely! Please pray for Mummy”. Then the prayer began… my son thanked God for Mummy and then began to give thanks for each body part, one at a time. When he finished, he thanked God for Mummy’s car and he proceeded to thank God for each car part he knew. At that point, I was very sleepy and inpatient, hence my “amen” responses began to dwindle. He encouraged me to continue saying amen and I encouraged him to simplify his prayers. He looked at me in surprise and said, “But Mummy, there are more parts to thank God for!”
That statement stuck with me – indeed there are more parts to thank God for in my life. I started to wonder if I have ever taken the time necessary to really thank God for all the parts of my blessings. I was getting used to running in and out of God’s presence. I remember all the details when I present a need to God but I seem to forget the details when it is time to give thanks. My eyes move quickly on to the “next thing” and I fix my attention on how much better life would be when that comes to pass.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” Psalm 103:1-2
The Psalmist constantly recounted the goodness of God and refused to allow himself to forget all that God did for him. We need to stay conscious of the faithfulness of God. Our faith gets strengthened when we take time to recount the details of our past victories. Our hearts also grow fonder when we spend quality time in the presence of God. Spending time with God is like connecting an electric device to its power source – everything begins to function at maximum capacity.
Life gets busy and the demands of everyday life will threaten to choke out your time with God. However you need to fight to protect your personal time of fellowship with God. Take the time to meditate on His greatness and cast all your cares on Jesus. Refuse to worry, but instead make thanksgiving your lifestyle.
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.Seek the Kingdom of Godabove all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6
As you take the time to thank God for all He has done for you, He will give you more reasons to be thankful. Thanksgiving can become an endless cycle in your life.
Be intentional about thanking God. Look for something to thank God for in every situation today.
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