Thank You

These two words are really big words. I believe that they are more powerful than they are polite. Please don’t misunderstand. I was taught to say “please” and “thank you” because it’s polite. I would suggest that these two simple words are huge to building relationships at all levels of life. The wealthiest people and the poorest can both show gratitude and respect to another by saying “Thank You”. I believe that these two words speak volumes about the person using them. It’s easy to start thinking that our lives are all about us. Our lives were meant for much more than us. I believe our lives are for the Lord’s glory and honor. He welcomes a heart of gratitude. He wired me for a grateful heart. The sin that I chose damaged the wiring in my heart, but I’m thankful He knows the wiring diagram and He wired me all over. He’s had to rewire me more than one, I’m ashamed to say.

David penned a Psalm of desperately crying out to God for help and then he leans into his deep faith and gratitude at the end. Check this out….

⁶ Praise the Lord!
    For he has heard my cry for mercy.
⁷ The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

⁸ The Lord gives his people strength.
    He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.
⁹ Save your people!
    Bless Israel, your special possession.
Lead them like a shepherd,
    and carry them in your arms forever.(Psalm 28:6-9 NLT)

These two words (Thank You) come after my heart is devoted to Him. For me to develop and cultivate a thankful heart, I must recognize my purpose on this earth. I wasn’t put here just to work and make money. I was put here to bring honor to the Lord. I believe I can bring honor to Him in my every day, mundane routines of my life. A heartfelt sense of gratitude “leaks out” of everything I do. This deep gratitude starts with where my old life ended. I’m forgiven. I’m free from my past. My future is filled with hope. How can I start to think, it was all about me or that I was able to do any of that on my own? A grateful heart and a hateful heart can’t co-exist in me or anyone else.

I’m so thankful for the strength that the Lord has given me. He is present in my success and He is present is my failures. He is with me when I’m celebrating, and He is with me when I’m hurting.

I’m so thankful that He made a way where there seemed to be no way. I’m thankful beyond my ability to express, to Him for His continued Presence with me as I live to bring honor to Him.

Pressing On!

Dwayne