Bible Passages

Read Luke 17:11-19.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.” – Psalm 9:1 (NASB1995)

Devotion

One of the first things we learn to say is, “Thank you.” One of the first things we forget to say is, “Thank you.” A simple two-word phrase, it goes a long way. Yet, we go about our day and forget to give thanks to the people whose thoughtful, little kindnesses make a difference in our day: the helpful store clerk, the smiling toll booth guard, the one who holds the door, or the random but needed hug, all deserve one word of encouragement and appreciation, “Thanks.”

Family is usually second among unthanked victims. Mom gets up early to make breakfast. Dad takes time to help with our homework. On that rare occasion when our siblings actually share their toys, their ice cream, or their secrets, we neglect to thank them.

The first victim is God. We don’t thank Him for allowing us to wake up today, for last night’s rest, the new day before us. We don’t sing His praises as we prepare for our day. We don’t thank Him for going out into the world with us. However, if we don’t start our day with God, we set ourselves up for something less than everything He wants for us for that day.

We need to start and end each day right, with praise and thanks to God. Try starting and ending your day with the Lord’s prayer, a joyful Psalm, a devotion like The Upper Room, or a Bible chapter. Smart devices have apps like YouVersion, in which you can request a specific or random Bible passage. Whatever you do to start your day with God, He will approve.

As His servants, talk to God first each morning. “Good morning, Lord. How may I serve You today? How can I be a blessing to someone today?” Then, listen. He might take a few minutes, a few hours, days. He does things on His schedule, not ours. Keep asking during the day. He will guide your heart. Small things will only be a brief tug. “Help that lady carry all that stuff.” “Wait here a minute.” “Drive home by the back roads.” Those things come quickly and are easy when you listen. Those are the small ways we honor God, not always knowing why or the result.

The big things, for me at least, often take more than one nudge. Sometimes, He has to work to get my attention. In times like that, He allows situations that seem dire at first glance. When I pray about it, He lets me know He wants my attention. When I finally hear Him, He opens the door He wants me to take. As I step through, I realize I am traveling the path He set for me. Things start turning around. The dire situation becomes an opportunity to glorify God. When I take His path, everything falls into place again. It doesn’t always happen immediately, but it does always happen.

That’s the most important time to thank the Lord, just as with the ten lepers. When He shows us His love or the next step in our journey, we need to praise Him, thank Him, and go out of our way to make sure what we do glorifies God in as many ways as we can. Let everyone know your success comes from God. Sing his praises with every breath. When we do, the joy is overwhelming and contagious!

Then, at the end of the day, make sure He is the last thing on your mind before you go to sleep. Give Him your concerns, thank Him for a great day and the blessings and challenges, and for granting the rest you need. When you do this, you will rest completely and worry-free. It might take some practice, as it has with me, and some nights will be harder to do this than others.

That’s okay with God. He knows we’re not perfect but He loves us anyway, and wraps us in His perfect love, then sets His angels to watch over us. As the saying goes, “Give it to God and go to sleep.”

Prayer Focus

Those who have forgotten to thank God, even in small things.

Prayer

Lord God our Father Almighty, thank You for nurturing us, guiding us, and helping us grow into the people You want us to be. Help us to remember to thank You in good times, in bad times, and in the in-between times. Remind us to give You the glory You deserve. Remind us to put your first and last in all things. Amen.

Final Thought

Start and end your day with God.