The Grace of Gratitude

Tip! Let us always be aware of the fact that the power that is achieved to do the greater works that are required for Christ, is only gained through fervent prayer and faith in Jesus Christ.

"What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?"—Psalms 116:12

GOD'S BENEFITS are here compared to a cup or trophy brimming with salvation. It seems natural to speak of our destiny, either full of sorrow or joy, as the cup of which we drink. The cup or lot of our life brims with examples of God's saving help---"my cup is running over," and we ask, how may we thank Him enough? What shall we give to Him, for all His gracious help?

There are many answers, and the first is, that we will "take". In other words, as one has truly said, "taking" from God is the best giving to God, for God loves to give. St. James says; "He is the giving God, who gives not only liberally, but with no thought of personal advantage, and for the mere joy of giving?'

What, then, will please Him more than to trust Him, to find receivers for His gifts and to know that we are prepared to be His poor debtors; owing Him ten thousand talents, with nothing to pay, but we keep receiving and receiving from His great heart of Love. Nothing hurts God more than when we do not take what He offers--"God so loved that He gave," and when we refuse to take His greatest gift, we cause the deepest disgrace and dishonor that we are capable of doing.

Then what should we do? We must call upon His Name (Psalms 116:13-17). "Take" the Name of the Lord as a test. Friendships, plans, profits, amusements, studies---all these cups of life should be tested by this one mighty Talisman.

Tip! The Master will not expect more from anyone than a person is capable of doing for Him. Jesus wants us to understand that each person will be rewarded according to their faithfulness in doing their given task.

We also must be sure to pay our vows (Psalms 116:14-18; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). We make vows in our trouble, which we sometimes forget when it is past. Surely, it is the height of ingratitude not to redeem our promissory notes. All devoted things, which are laid on God's altar, are absolutely His, and the giver forfeits all rights to their disposal.

Then our gratitude demands the gift of ourselves (Psalms 116:16). When Robinson Crusoe freed the poor captive, the man knelt before his deliverer, and put his foot on his neck, in token of his desire to be his slave, and the love of Christ, who loosed us from our bonds, obliges us to live not to ourselves but to Him (Revelation 1:5). Loosed from the cords of sin, we become bound to the service of love.

PRAYER:

Father, we would thank You for all the benefits that we have received from Your goodness. The best thanksgiving we can offer to You is to live according to Your holy will; grant us every day to offer it more perfectly, and to grow in the knowledge of Your will and the love thereof. In Jesus' name AMEN.