Daily Delight
“A life of gratitude.” “A thankful heart.”
What elusive phrases.
From Thanksgiving to New Years, everyone talks about being thankful- reflecting on the year, counting blessings, grateful to spend time with loved ones. I’ll admit, it’s easy to rattle off a short list of things I’m thankful for. I have a job, I have parents who love me, good friends, savings in the bank, etc., but all that seems a bit shallow compared to the true state of my heart.
When I look one layer deeper, do I really have a thankful heart? Do I live a life of gratitude year round? When things aren’t going as I hoped? When the desires of my heart aren’t being met, how grateful am I then? If thanksgiving brings joy, how truly joyful is my heart most of the time?
Recently, the same story has popped up a few times. When I hear something more than once in a short amount of time, it’s time for me to pause and really see what God is trying to tell me. It’s the story in Luke 17:11-19 of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed yet only one returned to give Him thanks. Jesus’ response to this one Samaritan in Luke 17:18-19: “Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then He said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well’” (NIV).
If I’m honest with myself, would I run back and give God thanks? How many times do I pray saying, “Thanks God for this good thing...can I have this other thing, too?” When do I just sit at His feet, honoring Him with gratitude in the blessings He’s already provided out of the goodness of His heart, out of His grace and love for me. Not a transactional relationship wanting more from Him, but entering His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4) and magnifying Him with Thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30). No strings attached.
How can we create practices in our lives that bring about true thanksgiving?
How do you express true, genuine praise and thanksgiving to our beloved Father?
About the Author
Elizabeth Blumer
Elizabeth, a 29 year-old with Southern roots, works in Silicon Valley as a Marketing Manager for Google. With a love for travel, meeting people and experiencing new cultures, she’s followed the Lord’s call for this fast-paced season in life. Originally from Atlanta, and currently residing in San Francisco, she’s also lived and worked in New York City and New Delhi, India.
Elizabeth has a heart for loving on and investing in the “next generation.” She enjoys fostering and building Christ-centered community in the areas the Lord has placed her. In India, Elizabeth started an English school for children in a village near her church. At Google, she mentors young marketing professionals early in their careers. Her goal is to become a Proverbs 31 woman - a Christian defined by grace, poise, Godly character and wisdom, and in her free time, she’s always ready to learn a new skill or have a good, heart-to-heart conversation while on a walk.
You can follow her on Instagram here and follow her blog, While I’m Waiting, here