The Power of GratitudeShembull

Day 4: Thank You for What You've Done

One of the things taught to us as children is to pray and ask the Father for what we need. If we cry out to God, He will answer us (Jeremiah 33:3). Matthew 7:8 speaks of the importance of asking in order to receive and seeking in order to find. This is one of the most important foundations of a Christian life.

But what happens after God answers us?

From experience I can say that I have sometimes prayed to God on a specific matter and after He answered me, I thanked Him (sometimes) and in time forgot what He had done for me. Has the same thing happened to you?

Sometimes we are so focused on God answering us that when He does, we simply continue with our lives, risking forgetting or belittling everything He has done for us. This is dangerous because this behavior can bring pride to the heart by thinking that all we have accomplished is by our own efforts (Deuteronomy 8:11–18).

The Bible speaks of the importance of not forgetting what God did for us and our ancestors (Psalm 78:1–14). One of the most important customs for the Jewish people was to make sure that future generations were told all the things God did for them in the past. This helped them keep a grateful heart for all the wonders God had done.

When you are grateful for what God has done, these three things happen:     

1. You preserve your trust in God: Every time God answers a prayer, your trust in Him increases. On the contrary, every time you forget what He did, your trust in Him decreases.     
2. You fill your present and future with faith: If God did it in the past, He will do it again today and again tomorrow.     
3. You bless the next generations: The Bible shows that future generations sought God or strayed away from Him, depending on their parents’ choices. David was grateful to God and Solomon sought God. Solomon forgot about God and so did the generation after him. Sow gratitude to God and you will reap in the next generation.

All we are today is because so far, God has helped us. Have you ever forgotten your birthday? It's almost impossible, isn't it? That's because it's an important date, and important events aren't forgotten. Today is a good day to remember all God has done for you. Always remember that your answered prayers tell you who God is, but being grateful and remembering the wonders God has done in your life tell God who you are.

Reflection  

• What has God done for you and your loved ones?

Prayer

Father, help me to always remember and thank You for everything You've done in my life. I thank You because I have come this far because of Your mercy, Your patience, Your forgiveness, Your grace, and Your love.