Expressing Thanks from a Sincere Heart

In the movie Shenandoah, James Stewart plays a hard-working farmer, who in prayers of thanksgiving relates how he cleared the land, plowed the fields, planted seeds, and harvested crops – but was thankful that God contributed to the final product. It took several crises for him to realize that he had little control over the destiny of his family.

Sincere thanksgiving appreciates that life is a gift and that we have the privilege of managing what God has entrusted into our care. The Psalmist encourages us to come before the Lord with thanksgiving, expressing our gratitude for the honor of humbly connecting with the Creator of all things.

Godly thanksgiving should create hope in the one expressing it, for gratitude points to the abundance of God’s blessings. Hope is felt as we recall how God has enriched our lives with his presence and provision. When thanksgiving is expressed from a sincere heart to Christ Jesus, our lives then testify of his love, acceptance, and provision.        ________________  

 O Lord, I will praise you with all my heart, and tell everyone about the marvelous things you do. I will be glad, yes, filled with joy because of you. I will sing your praises, O Lord God.

~Psalm 9:1-2 The Living Bible  

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Thankful Communications to God

An undisputed purpose for working is to purchase the things we desire. While there isn't anything necessarily wrong with wanting the necessities of life, we may forget to express thanksgiving for what we have received. As we communicate our feelings of thanksgiving and appreciation to Christ Jesus, the more clearly his purpose for us is understood.

Discovering God’s purpose for us is paramount, for to do so brings contentment and joy. To express thanksgiving to God creates a deep sense of satisfaction for what we do possess. Expressing thanksgiving helps us to cease our lusting after that which is elusive and out of bounds.

As we focus on communicating thanksgiving for what God has provided, it clears the way for a deeper relationship with the Lord God. Psalm 42:1 proclaims, "As the deer longs for a stream of cool water, so my heart longs for you O God." Communicating gratitude is the antidote for feelings of dissatisfaction and deprivation, so give thanks to God for his goodness, patience, and kindness.

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 Say “Thank you” to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind...praise the Lord for his loving-kindness, and for all of his wonderful deeds! For he satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good.

~Psalm 107:1, 8-9 The Living Bible 

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.