When asked how he’s doing, my friend C.J. Mahaney often answers, “Better than I deserve.” He’s been responding that way for years, and it always reminds me that my sins far outweigh my trials. Yet God has dealt with my sins by punishing his own Son in my place. I will never know His righteous wrath. I will forever know the joy of His presence.
So why don’t I have a more thankful attitude?
I think my perspective is comprehensive, accurate, and authoritative.
I think my complaining moves God.
I think I’m ultimately responsible for my destiny.
I think I’m immediately responsible for my justification before God.
I think I rule everything around me.
I think my wife, children, and friends should recognize that I rule everything around me.
I think there are more important things to do than be thankful.
I think…
Actually, the problem is that I don’t think. I don’t think about the fact that God chose not to spare His own Son so that I could be spared. (Rom. 8:32) I don’t think about the reality that I owe every breath to a wise and sovereign Creator. I forget. I get distracted. I sin. And God forgives me again and again as I come to Him through the atoning sacrifice of His only Son.
So I remind myself again and again that we as Christians should be the most grateful people on the planet. If I am in Jesus, I have so much that heaven can give me no more. This modern hymn, by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, helps me remember.
My Heart is Filled With Thankfulness
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who bore my pain
Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace
And gave me life again
Who crushed my curse of sinfulness
And clothed me in His light
And wrote His law of righteousness
With power upon my heart
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who walks beside
Who floods my weaknesses and strengths
And causes fear to fly
Whose every promise is enough
For every step I take
Sustaining me with arms of love
And crowning me with grace
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace
Whose every thought is love
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King
So I will give my life my all
To love and follow him
MY HEART IS FILLED WITH THANKFULNESS by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. Copyright 2003 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music.
This Thanksgiving may your heart be filled with thankfulness, for the glory of our matchless Savior.
