Deuteronomy 8:10
When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.
We are given so much by The Lord. Most of it we aren’t aware of. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” He is sustaining all of creation. Our next heart beat is due to Him. He keeps the laws of nature functioning. All of those things that we rely upon are due to Him. He also blesses us with so much more. Our lives should be a steady stream of gratitude.
There is plenty that He provides that we prayed for. We certainly should be thankful for this. We often are, but we tend to move onto the next issue and quickly forget.
Luke 17 has the story of the ten lepers Jesus cleansed. He told them to go to the priest. While on the way they were healed. It wasn’t instantaneous. No doubt most would have thanked Jesus if it were. It involved changing direction and going back. It was an inconvenience. One of them did. Jesus was disappointed that only 10% came to give thanks.
We also need to give thanks. It may be inconvenient. It will often require a change in our plans or thoughts. It takes effort. Hebrews 13:15 speaks of offering a sacrifice of praise. Sometimes it takes work. It can be a sacrifice.
Old Testament sacrifices were animals that were raised or purchased. The person would miss that animal or miss the money. It hurts. It’s felt. So, also our gratitude usually does. 2 Samuel 24:24 has David saying I won’t offer to God that which costs me nothing.
Lord, thank You for Your endless blessings. Help us to be more grateful.