And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)
MY MOTHER TRIED HER BEST to teach me the importance of the “magic words”: please and thank-you. I have not always remembered to say them, but I have tried. These words go together, though it is sometimes easier to ask for something with “please” than it is to respond with “thank-you” after receiving something.
Speaking our desires often outpaces verbalizing our gratitude. We cannot deny that God is gracious and generous in His giving. We are blessed beyond anything we deserve, yet we want more. My life verse is “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:4). It is easy to claim the last part of the verse without making the first part a guiding principle of life. Delighting in the Lord causes you to commit to a life of doing everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” When we desire to please Him in all we do, He gives us the desires of our hearts.
God delights in our expressions of gratitude. When we acknowledge His blessings by saying thank-you, it causes His face to shine upon us in favor. Let your heart delight in everything you do in His name, give thanks for everything He does on your behalf, and your life will be full and overflowing.
Spend as much time in your prayer today saying thank-you as you do saying please.
Ken Heer is the author of Ancient Fire (WPH) and has been a pastor and church leader for fifty-two years.
