Give Thanks and Obey

”Giving thanks is the sacrifice that honors me, and I will surely save all who obey me.”“
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭50‬:‭23‬ ‭

I’ve never thought of giving thanks to God as a sacrifice. I realize in my life if God never did another thing for me that I could still thank Him for the rest of my life. When I was younger one of the first solos I sang said “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food. But it seems we have to say thanks a million times a day.” The song went on to talk about the many things we are thankful for like red balloons, cartoons and getting to go to grandma’s house. I gave thanks to God for the balloons this morning, although now they are hot air balloons that fill the sky on my morning commutes. I love when I get to see them so I thank God for the weather and the timing.

When we have God in our heart and recognize His hand on our lives, it is hard not to give thanks. I can thank Him for salvation, life, health, that my needs are met, protection, provision and love on a daily basis. I can thank Him for the beautiful sunrise and sunset, for keeping me safe throughout my day. I can thank Him for my family and friends, my church, my career and my community. If this is a sacrifice that honors God it is one that if we stop and think can easily be given.

Obeying Him, well I admit at times that comes with more struggle for me. I want to obey God, after all He gave Jesus to pay the price of my sins. Still more often than I should allow, my flesh keeps me from obeying Him. Obedience is a choice. God doesn’t force obedience, but the consequence is eternal.

Lord, I give You thanks for who You are and for the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. Let me never stop giving You thanks. Lord, my heart is to obey You still at times I give in to my flesh and disobey. I ask You to help me to increase my obedience. In Jesus name. Amen!