The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me (Psalm 50:23 ESV).
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15 NIV)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:16-18 NIV).
Heavenly Father, before I get sucker-punched by a culture of comparison and discontent, generating lame reasons to turn on the whining-machine, I want to fill your courts with praise and my heart with gratitude.
First of all, thank you for the “indescribable gift” of the gospel. Because of Jesus, no condemnation is left for my sin, his perfect righteousness is declared to be mine, and I’ll never experience separation from your love. Believing this, how is it possible for me to indulge grumbling and complaining, envy and greed?
I have citizenship in heaven, my name is written into the Lamb’s book, and I’m co-heir with Jesus of everything. Your Word commends contentment with food and clothes (1 Tim. 6:7-10) but you give us a gazillion times more.
And, Father, thank you for being tenaciously at work for our good in all things—in the things that thrill me and the things that vex me; in in the wounds that still hurt me and the failures that still haunt me; in the “unanswered” prayers and in unexpected gifts.
Indeed, you are at work in delayed flights and countless delights; in the biggest fish I’ll ever catch and in the biggest disappointments I’ll ever feel; in my extended family and in the extension of my waiting; and in the circumstances, people, and stories over which I have zero control. All of these are the canvas of your heart and hand, grace and rule.
Thank you for being totally sovereign and only good—when I see it and when I don’t. By your Holy Spirit, quickly sabotage my discontent, ingratitude, and gospel amnesia. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ exalted and trustworthy name.