November 26

The Grace Of Gratitude

How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me? — Ps 116:12 BSB

God’s benefits are like a cup overflowing with salvation. It seems natural to speak of a person’s life, whether filled with sorrow or joy, as the cup from which they drink. The cup of our life overflows with instances of God’s saving help—“my cup runs over”—and we ask, “How can I thank Him enough? What can I give back to God for all He has done for me?”

There are many answers, but the first is this: we will take. As someone once said, taking from God is the best giving to God, for God loves to give. James says, “He is the giving God, who gives liberally and without reproach.” What pleases God more than to be trusted, to find hearts open to receiving His gifts? He delights when we are willing to be His poor debtors, owing Him everything and yet still receiving from His great heart of love. Nothing grieves God more than when we refuse what He offers. “God so loved that He gave”—and when we refuse His greatest gift, we dishonor Him in the worst way.

Next, we must call upon His Name (Psalm 116:13-17). Let the Name of the Lord be our test. Whether in friendships, plans, profits, amusements, or studies, we should test every cup by the Name of the Lord.

We must also remember to fulfill our vows (Psalm 116:14-18; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). In times of trouble, we make promises to God, but often forget them when the crisis passes. It is the height of ingratitude not to honor those promises. All that is offered to God belongs to Him alone, and we forfeit the right to reclaim it.

Our gratitude should lead us to offer ourselves (Psalm 116:16). When Robinson Crusoe freed a captive, the man knelt before him and placed his foot on his neck as a sign of submission, desiring to be his slave. Similarly, the love of Christ, who freed us from sin, compels us to live no longer for ourselves but for Him (Revelation 1:5). Freed from sin’s chains, we are now bound by love to His service.

Prayer

Father, we thank You for all the blessings we have received from Your hand. The best thanks we can offer is to live according to Your will. Help us each day to do this more perfectly, growing in our knowledge and love of You. Amen.