What are your three most thankful things? Go ahead – name them.
At the top of that thankful list — even before family, food and friends (some of God’s best gifts, indeed) — should sit the giver of all good gifts – God himself.
As a parent, when I give one of my children a gift I definitely want them to enjoy it! I love seeing the joy on their faces as they receive a gift they will enjoy. And I am happy I could give them that joy. But it is never my intent that the item I give would replace the joy I want them to receive with me. And perhaps that has happened far too many times for our generous Heavenly Father. His children appreciate and remember the gifts given – but forget the giver.
If He has slipped from the tippy top of our thankful list (or was never there), perhaps it is because we have neglected getting to know Him as we ought to. Who is Our Gift Giver? Do you know Him well enough to truly give Him the thanks due to Him? Isn’t it easiest to be thankful for those we hold most dear and know the best.
Verse 3 in Psalm 100 (the Psalm we suggested you post in your home this week and read often and work on memorizing) says, “Know that the Lord is God.” What makes Him God? And a God like no other? What characteristics does He have which makes Him so deserving of our thanks and praise?
What are some of the best ways to get to know God more and more? Sometimes a great church service, Sunday School or youth group meeting will leave you feeling like you know God better than you did the day before. And that is a great start. When there is a person we want to get to know more – we spend more time with them. A relationship with God can not be a healthy, growing relationship if it is built on just one or two hours a week. But He gave His Word – a most precious gift – so we can get to know Him, what He likes, what He doesn’t like, His past, His plans for the future, and His family.
He gives us so much. Don’t forget Him. Keep Him first on your thankful list. Spend time getting to know Him more and more. Dig into His Word.
-Marcia Railton
Seek Grow Love 