Slightly Obsessed #203: God Doesn’t Need Our Thanks

Pamela Thorson

November 22, 2017

Articles

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

And to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High

– Psalm 92:1

God doesn’t need our thanks.

If we were to walk through an open door to heaven as the apostle John did in a vision during his imprisonment on Patmos, we wouldn’t find a forlorn father sitting by the phone awaiting a call from his kids. John’s glimpse into that other dimension revealed a royal residence filled with glory.

There a throne encircled by an emerald rainbow sits upon a sea of crystal glass. Lightning and thunder emanate from the presence of a King so beautiful and precious He can only be described in jewel tones. Around His throne wondrous living creatures and many thousands of angels lift their voices in continual praise to the Sovereign of the Universe.

God doesn’t need our thanks.

And yet, throughout Scripture we are encouraged, commanded, and entreated to be thankful. It’s not because God needs our attention. He’s no egotist.

He knows thankfulness is good for us. A heart full of praise has no room for envy, jealousy, or strife. When we are busy praising God, it’s harder to hear the bitter whisperings of the devil or the grumblings of a tired soul.

Praise guards us, guides us, and strengthens us. A grateful heart honors our Father, who has done so much for us. Gratitude purifies us. It draws others to our precious Lord. Living in an attitude of praise frees us and lifts us out of the bony clutches of all that would keep us forever tethered to the old life.

God doesn’t need our thanks, but He deserves it.

I want to be more appreciative of Him, to live in the joy of remembering all I have been given, even when life gets difficult. From every breath to every gift small and great, there is much for which to thank my God. If I were to consider each kindness my Heavenly Father has granted me, my days would be consumed in His praise. It’s a shame I have relegated so much of my gratitude to one day a year.

As the season of Thanksgiving approaches once again, this is my prayer:

To awaken and thank God for the gift of life and good health, asking God to help me pray more for those who are suffering from illness and pain.

To eat dinner and thank God for the gifts of my home and a full refrigerator, asking God to help me be more generous with my possessions to those who endure hunger and cold.

To watch football and thank God for the gift of family, asking God to help me be more loving to them.

To go to church and thank God for the gifts of freedom of worship and fellowship, asking God to help me be a better citizen to my neighbors and a gentler sister in the Lord to my precious friends.

To look upon the earth and thank God for His creation, entreating Him to reveal Himself to those who live each day without the knowledge and comfort of His love.

To raise my eyes to heaven and remember that even though He doesn’t need our thanks, He longs for us and and the expression of appreciation that marks a good relationship.

To determine to fill every day of every year with heartfelt praise to the God from Whom all blessings flow, that my song may be added to the eternal voices worshiping such a magnificent King.