The Good Path of Giving Thanks
ARLENE PELLICANE
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“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23 (NLT)
Holding a glass-covered dish in my hands, I tried to find an empty spot in the refrigerator. When I tipped the dish to make it fit behind the ketchup and eggs, the glass top came sliding off, landing right on my foot and sending glass everywhere.
“Help!” I screamed in panic. My husband, James, came running, instructing me to sit down as he grabbed a towel to apply pressure to my bleeding foot. We prayed and asked God for help. The bleeding stopped quickly, but the injury still warranted a visit to an urgent care center.
Instantly, I remembered my morning devotional. It was about a woman’s choice to be irritated or grateful when her car broke down. She decided to be grateful in the midst of being stuck on the side of the road. I decided right then to imitate her example.
I began to rehearse what I was grateful for during the car ride to the urgent care center. Lord, I’m glad no one else was hurt. I’m thankful my husband happened to be home so I could go to the doctor. I’m grateful my car works, unlike the woman’s car in the devotional!
As I gave thanks, the peace of God filled my heart. Even though I had a bum foot, I had a good God!
Today’s key verse talks about the power of thanksgiving to open the door to God’s presence. Psalm 50:23 says, “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Being thankful doesn’t come automatically. It is often a sacrifice. This verse reassures us the sacrifice of thanksgiving is not in vain; on the contrary, it pleases God! And if we walk in the commandments of God (on His path), we will see the saving power of God in our daily lives. What a promise and reward!
The verse right before today’s key verse describes the opposite of being thankful: forgetting God. Psalm 50:22 says, “Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you” (NLT). Yikes! How different are the paths and consequences of thankfulness and ingratitude.
The more we give God the sacrifice of thanks, the more we can see Him working out all things for good.Â
Despite injuring my foot that day, I did get an excellent doctor who stitched me right up. Not only was she skilled, but she was so pleasant to be around that my husband and I commented on her kindness on our way home. She lifted our spirits on an otherwise not-so-great day.
If I hadn’t prepped my heart with gratitude on the way to see the doctor, I may not have noticed or enjoyed her kindness. I might have missed the blessing of God’s goodness that He put in my path.
The sacrifice of thankfulness is always worth it, friend. No matter our circumstances, we truly do have a good God.
Lord Jesus, there is no one like You. You are worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. Thank You for meeting all my needs today. Thank You that in Your presence is fullness of joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Technology offers instant results and endless choices, which can lead to feeling entitled instead of grateful. Learn how to teach your child the A+ skill of appreciation, along with other relational skills, in Arlene’s book Screen Kids, available in the Proverbs 31 bookstore.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 Chronicles 29:12-13, “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” (NIV)
What are five things you are grateful for today?
Close your eyes and say, either silently or out loud, “Jesus, I thank You for ⦔ Fill at least one minute with your thanksgiving to God.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2021 by Arlene Pellicane. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
