A Stimulating Question

"What if one day you woke up with only what you've thanked God for?"

This question was posed to me by one of my good friends.

My honest response to this was how much I wouldn't have around me. My friend agreed with that sentiment as well.

That brief conversation got me thinking though. How long do we trudge along in life before we truly give thanks to the Lord for anything and everything in our lives? Now one of the first thoughts that pops in my head is how dumb it would be to thank God for every little thing every day. But to combat my own dumb thought, we as Christians should be in fact doing that very act every single day, all the time. By the Lord's grace are we still alive today, by his mercy that we have friends, family, and comfortable lifestyles. Now I won't go into how truly blessed each and every one of us are, but please do remember that thought.

Granted it is difficult to thank the Lord all the time. I mean we are called to pray without ceasing (though it's better put in my opinion to be communicating with the Lord at all times) and how many of us can say we actually do that? Sure it's super easy to thank Him during the times of good and blessing, but even then at those times we fail to recognize the Lord's bountiful blessing and regard for us. Then comes the times of suffering, hardship, and trouble; I don't know about you, but I tend to really fail there. Instead of thanking the Lord, I'm more asking Him why this, why that, and to just help me with my current situation.

However since this question was asked, I've tried to remember to thank the Lord for something each day and to be grateful for everything He's given me. Sure I've forgotten every so often, but I aim to make this a habit.

Give thanks to Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever. 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

I hope the first line of this post got you thinking. Mull over those thoughts, pray about them, and if need be talk to a person you trust about them.

Coram Deo