Three Little Words

Well this could be about anything! Going green, save the planet – “Paper or plastic?” It’s not an emotion; it’s a verb! – “I love you.” Dress to impress on that interview – “We’re hiring you!” Don’t forget to live in the moment – “Be here now.” You can be anything you want to be – “Act as if!”

"Thank you, God." Three simple words that have the power to change our attitudes and set our lives on the right road. Before you dismiss this one as a simple, gratitude-is-expected devotional, give some thought to a way of life that could be a great challenge.

You got that promotion? Thank you, God! The medical test came back negative? Thank you, Father! The report card isn’t quite as good as you expected. Thank you, God. Someone cuts you off in traffic? Thank you, God. It’s strep, after all, and you’ll have to cancel that vacation. Thank you? Your husband has been transferred to the west coast and you have to leave your life as you know and love it. Father? The call comes in the middle of the night. Thank…you…God.

Getting the idea? It’s easy when it’s easy. But what if we could make it a way of life? And I don’t mean a rote mantra we say because it’s habit. I mean an honest gratitude for each and every blessing and challenge that comes our way. Because when our first impulse is to turn a grateful face to God, the results continue to increase our faith.

Satan begins to realize we’re not an easy target. Our reliance on God is our only strength and we put our complete trust in Him. We aren’t going to let life’s little bumps run us to the shoulder of the road in defeat.

When we are thanking Him, we are put in a position of seeing the possibilities in every trial, the potential for growth. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3,4).”

Finally, our immediate gratitude acknowledges that we know that He has a plan and He is in control. And isn’t His complete control the idea after all? Life is just better when the One who loves us most and knows us best is driving the car.

Eph 5:20
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.