Thank God (by Cathe Laurie)

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them” (Psalm 107:21 NLT).

Gratitude in Hardship

“Thank God, I get to go home today.”

Recently, I heard a young man, just 17 years old, share how he experienced a radical perspective shift after he was diagnosed with lung and liver cancer.

As I watched the video, I expected to think, this is so unfair, so sad . . .  But as I listened to him, his joy and gratitude flooded through the screen. Despite his year of setbacks and new, developing tumors, he was full of resilience and gratitude. In fact, I’ll admit I was even a little jealous of his joyful faith!

He shared that one day, after one of his difficult chemo treatments, he was permitted to go home. And all he thought was, “Thank God, I get to go home!”

Give God Everyday Thanks

How many of us have ever thought, “Thank God, I get to go home today”? It hit me with clarifying force just how much we take for granted. How little time do we spend giving thanks for things we expect to come our way?

It’s amazing how it’s usually when we can’t do or don’t have things, we finally give thanks when we can and do. But friends, let’s not let that be the case!

I encourage you to try to make a list—either physical or just in your mind—of everyday things you may take for granted. Going home. Having food on your table. Getting to drive. Seeing your kids’ smiles. Having your parents around. Hearing birds chirp in the trees.

Every small, little thing you can think of . . . start taking note. As you go about your everyday life, don’t just operate as normal. Appreciate every detail. Spend time in praise.

Why Should We Give God Thanks?

And why do we praise the Lord?

• We praise Him because He deserves

“Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness” (Psalm 145:3 NLT).

• We praise Him because it sets our hearts straight.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT).

• We praise Him so others may see Him.

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16 NLT).

The Christian Should Have Gratitude

Just like that young man sharing his story—his joy and faith overflowing through the screen—let us shine brightly with the joy of the Lord, with gratitude for everything He has done for us.

“Thank God, I get to go home today.”

I’m praying for you as you go about your day and praising God for all that He is doing!

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.