Give Back by Giving Thanks
“How shall I repay the Lord for all the good things he has done for me?”
Psalm 116:10, The Book of Common Prayer
One meaning of the word ‘repay’ is to do
or give something as recompense for a favor or kindness received. I am sure you can think of times when you have given kindness and thanks to many people and that you have received in return.
J
esus told us to love God with our whole heart, soul and mind, something we do in response to and because of what God has done for us and all He has given us. One of the best ways we can return our love is to thank Him for those things. Tell Him in prayer that you are grateful. God is the author of every good gift we experience in life and we thank Him for His gifts. The Bible says, "
give thanks in all circumstances
..." (1 Thessalonians 5:18a). Do not worry that it has to be a long, elaborate and theologically correct prayer! A few short but honest words are sufficient.
When we lived in Connecticut in the early 1980s, most days I would drive by a very pretty, white Congregational church. In front of it was a tree which, depending on the season of the year, was either bare, green or a beautiful red. Each time I would pass by I would say, “Thank you God for the beauty of Your creation.”
However confused, unhappy or fearful we may be at times, we always have
something
or someone for which to give thanks. How often do you consider how to give back or give thanks for all that God has given to us?
I don’t know what thanks is already within your heart, but I invite you to let the testimony readily find its way to your lips.
