Saying “thank you” is ingrained within us since early childhood. We are taught to express thanks frequently after any act of kindness. In fact, it likely becomes routine for many of us and we don’t honestly give it much thought. I’m not saying that this gratefulness is disingenuous but there is so much more to thankfulness than a simple “thank you”. I’ve occasionally given baked treats to my mailman and he always says thank you; occasionally he follows it up with a thank you note a few days later. This note isn’t necessary as I already knew he was grateful, but it adds a whole new element of thanks. He took the time to write the note! His note will frequently add a fun comment about how much he enjoyed it, ect… He is going beyond just the simple thank you and spent extra time to express his thanks.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)
I remember a few months ago during chemo I went on a walk outside and tears just began to fall at this trial God had placed before me. I was upset and grieving over all the loss, and questioned what His purpose to all this was. Part way through the walk I turned the prayer to giving thanks for His provisions during this time. I found that I entered into a peace before God as I turned my perspective away from the “why” and the darkness I found myself surrounded in, to the brightness and hope that God had tucked away within this act of thankfulness.
How often do we pray and give thanks to God without really giving it much thought? We know the right words to say and look for the glimmers of thanks that are right on the surface. Yet God calls us to dig deeper, to strain our eyes looking for the gems of His provision that He has hidden below the surface. He longs for us to spend that time of quietude and peace where His love can envelop us.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In this time of uncertainty, I encourage you to take a walk or sit in that quietude with God. Dig deep to find His provision buried below the surface of your trial. Find the warmth of His love that is present, just waiting for you to find it.
Yes, quietude! What a beautiful concept. Something I find increasingly harder to achieve in our “noisy”, information-overloaded world. Thanks for this Emm! You are a gifted writer.