Experiencing God's Presence #183

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Ingratitude drives a wedge into relationships. When one person has gone out of his or her way to benefit another and the gesture is taken for granted, the relationship cools. Gratitude, on the other hand, draws people close. Appreciation causes a person to feel valued, and when we feel valued, we increase our openness to those who value us. Everyone likes to be affirmed.

God doesn’t really need our affirmation, but the dynamics of gratitude apply to our relationship with Him anyway, just as they do to our relationships with others. Ingratitude does nothing to draw Him deeper into a relationship with us, but gratitude certainly does. Giving thanks reflects an accurate perception of what He has done. It stirs up intimacy.

Gratitude for obvious blessings is good. Gratitude for less obvious blessings is better. But gratitude in spite of known adversity is the most mature form of all. The person who can thank God for His work even when His work seems to be painful or is completely hidden from view is a spiritually mature believer. When we thank God for an answer to prayer that isn’t even slightly apparent yet, we are demonstrating true faith. God draws near to those who are thankful no matter what happens.

Hear His heart: “Your gratitude is My will in every circumstance. I don’t expect you to enjoy adversity, but know that you don’t see the whole picture, and trust the One who does: Me. No matter what happens, give thanks. Stubbornly insist on it, regardless of your reservations. It’s always an appropriate attitude, and it makes Me want to come closer.”

Father, thank You for everything You are doing on my behalf—the things I see and the things I don’t see. Help me have radical gratitude, a stubborn insistence on acknowledging that You are good—no matter what I see.

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