Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
“Gratitude to God should be as habitual as the reception of mercies is constant, as ardent as the number of them is great, as devout as the riches of divine grace and goodness is incomprehensible.”
Charles Simmons on “Gratitude” in A Dictionary of Thoughts, edited by Tryon Edwards (Detroit: Dickerson, 1908) 45.
Yesterday, we considered the pathway for proper enjoyment: grateful, humble, and moderate. Today, we learn the posture of grateful hearts: habitual, ardent, and devout.
Let’s not just give thanks one day a year with those who are close to us but make it as habitual as the reception of our blessings is both constant and perpetual.
David, Asaph and others, modeled how to do this in 1 Chronicles 16. They gave offerings, ate yummy food, played festive music, and recounted God’s blessings.
As today is Black Friday, some will succumb to consumerism and spend money they don’t have, while others who have learned contentment will just focus on deals for things they need.
My prayer is that everyone will save some money today, so they have more left over for giving to God and the things He cares about this year-end.