“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” – Romans 1:21

This verse is often read with other people in mind. But look at it more closely. It may apply to you, especially the phrase, “nor gave thanks to him.”

First of all, this is a turning point issue. To which side will you turn? Turning to the one side with a thankful heart you move closer to the heart of God. However, if you do nothing or make a deliberate choice to ignore God, you will find yourself moving away from God and your thinking about spiritual reality will become fuzzy and your heart will begin to harden.

For most of us, however, the problem is not making a deliberate choice to be ungrateful. The problem is we do nothing and remain silent. Listen to our excuses:

  • “I am so busy. My time just got away from me.”
  • “I just don’t think about thanking God. I have so many other things to focus on.”
  • “I know being thankful is a good thing to do, but I never remember to offer thanks.”

To be thankful is to be grateful for the forgiveness, mercy, and kindness God has lavished upon you through Jesus.

To be thankful is to make a deliberate choice to express your thanks to God offering your reasons why you are thankful.

To be thankful is to rejoice in your heart and to share with others why in the midst of the storms and trials you face you can have peace, joy, and hope.

“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” Psalm 51:15