Thankful Hearts

The poster said, “God loves a cheerful giver, but will accept from an old grump.” Let’s face it-there are days when it’s hard to be cheerful and filled with thanksgiving. Life comes with minor annoyances.

Have you ever had that kind of morning? You know the one. The cereal box is empty. The milk has started to turn sour. You forget to turn on the coffee maker. You pull the fruit crisper out too far from the fridge and spill everything on the floor. So you’re running late. The car is hard to start. You get every traffic light red. When you get to work, the boss is on a rampage.

The psalmist reminds us of the importance of a thankful heart. We move beyond our pettiness and express our admiration of God’s handiwork. “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. (verse 2)

Giving thanks with our whole heart is a challenge, but great joy comes in doing so. We draw near the one who is “gracious and merciful” (verse 4), whose works are “faithful and just.” (verse 7)

This weekend, try to be thankful in everything that you do. See if you do not feel richly blessed.

Loving God, I give thanks to you with my whole heart. Amen. — JRG