I ran across this quote that I found thought-provoking and full of wisdom to reflect upon. It is especially apropos as we celebrate Thanksgiving.
“To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” –Thomas Merton
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Let’s take a few moments to consider the true depth of the quote.
To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything.
Isn’t it powerful to consider that being grateful can be linked to seeing God’s love in everything He has given us in this life?
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. –2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
God is love! His unfailing love for us provides both the physical things we need in this world on a daily basis as well as spiritual gifts. Everything we have and are is because of His love.
Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.
Have you considered that your life and each breath you are given are because of God’s great love for you? They are gifts from God. We are on this earth because of God’s grace and goodness.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. –Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
Even though we were born into sin through Adam and Eve, God’s love, mercy, and grace triumph. God’s grace saves us from our transgressions. What a privilege every breath we take is! We show our gratitude through the way we live our lives.
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Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God.
Isn’t it true that when we are filled with gratitude, we are deeply connected to the wonder and praise of our good, good God?
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. –Psalm 77:11-14 (ESV)
When we take time to reflect on the many ways the Lord is continually working in our lives, revealing His presence and love in deed and the orchestrations of our steps, it is easy to see His goodness. Each day gives us many reasons to be in awe of God and praise Him for His goodness. What gratitude fills our hearts!
For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.
In your daily walk, do you personally experience the goodness of God that fills you with such gratitude?
What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. –Psalm 116:12-14 (NIV)
When we personally experience the daily moments of seeing how good God is, our hearts and lives are filled with gratitude. Thanksgiving and praise are two ways we can express our gratitude to God.
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Be encouraged this week to be grateful…
…recognizing the love of God in everything He has given you.
…for each breath you take, which is full of God’s grace.
…not taking anything for granted, but rather praising God for His goodness.
…as you daily experience God’s goodness.
I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for His goodness to you. I am grateful for you, my dear reader!
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. —1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NIV)
