God has been reminding me a lot lately that I really ought to be more thankful. I've been reading Alone With God by MacArthur and in it he goes through Matthew 6:9-13 which is often called The Lord's Prayer. I just recently read his chapter on "Give us this day our daily bread." I am reminded that even though I work hard to provide for my family, the energy to do so comes from God. The job I have comes from God. The food I buy would not even exist if it weren't for God's provision. MacArthur quotes Thomas Watson,
"If all be a gift, see the odious ingratitude of men who sin against their giver! God feeds them, and they fight against him; he gives them bread, and they give him affronts. How unworthy is this! Should we not cry shame of him who had a friend always feeding him with money, and yet he should betray and injure him? Thus ungratefully do sinners deal with God; they not only forget his mercies, but abuse them. 'When I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery' (Jer. 5:7) Oh, how horrid is it to sin against a bountiful God! - to strike the hands that relieve us!"
It makes me think how often I throw up my "Thank you God for this food," without even really thinking about it. He provides for us. The great God that created the universe cares enough about me that He sees to my daily physical needs. How awesome is that?
I think that especially as Americans we easily forget His provision. We have pretty much everything we could ever need, and even have a lot of our wants fulfilled as easily as clicking a button. We leave off thanking Him, not usually out of maliciousness but simple satiety. We have and so we don't ask. We don't even think of where it comes from.
It's not hard, though, to become grateful. All I need to do is stop and think about all that God has provided for me. There's a hymn chorus that says, "Count your blessings/ name them one by one/ Count your blessings/ see what God hath done/ Count your blessings/ name them one by one/ And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done" A simple song with such a great reminder. (You can read the whole hymn and listen to a MIDI of the music here.) I have a beautiful wife and healthy children, a nice home and food on the table. I have a job I greatly enjoy and pleasant co-workers, running vehicles that fit my needs and so much more. Thank you God! Please help me to remember to thank You more often.
