My mom used to say, “If you got up on the wrong side of the bed, hop back in and get out on the other side.” Oh dear, I would be hopping back in and out of bed all day, trying to get my attitude adjusted. I remember a time when I was about eight years old, my six year old sister and I would watch cartoons on Saturday mornings. On the Rocky and Bullwinkle show, various filler cartoons would run and one of the silliest (and cutest) featured a pair of very polite squirrels. The talking squirrels’ (smile) sweet conversation would carry on like this: “You first,” the oldest would say, inviting his brother to step out onto the tree limb before him. “No, you first.” The youngest would retort. “After you, please.” The oldest insisted. The dialogue went on until finally one would take the step, leading to another exchange.
And such would their generous words carry on and on until my sister and I would laugh ourselves off the seat of the couch.
However, a strange thing happened to us –we began to imitate the polite squirrels. After my sister helped me with a chore I would say, “Thank you.” Her response would be “No, thank YOU.” It’s amazing how much our productivity and our good deeds increased when we had an attitude of gratitude. The same is true with our relationship with God.
“Thank you therapy” happens when we find things for which we can thank God. Let’s choose thankfulness!
- Thank God we can call on His name.
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known among the nations what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8
- Thank God we can sing to Him.
“I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks.” Nehemiah 12:31
- Thank God we can praise Him.
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4
- Thank God we can praise Him for triumph over sin.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
- Thank God He guides us.
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
- Thank God we can thank Him in every circumstance.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Thank God for thank you therapy.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
It’s amazing how much our productivity and our good deeds increase when we have an attitude of gratitude. The same is true with our relationship with God. Let’s stop today and apply a little “thank you” therapy. “Thank you therapy” happens when we find things for which we can thank God. Let’s choose thankfulness!
Dear Heavenly Father, you are the God of creation, our provider, our Lord, our friend. Help us use a thankful spirit as we lift up thankful hearts to you. Thank you for the trials and triumphs, struggles and joys. We praise you and bless you in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
