Overflowing with Gratitude

Romans 1:20-21 (NIV) 

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.

Yesterday, we explored how thanksgiving helps us become more aware of God's presence in our lives. Today, let's go with a different perspective using Romans 1:20-21.

The passage speaks of those who 'knew God' but failed to express their thankfulness. They may have known him intellectually and had a deep theological understanding, but it didn't make any difference to their lives. It was no good for them to know him if they didn't glorify or express their thanks. This resulted in their hearts being darkened and their thinking becoming futile. 

It can be so easy to forget the simple blessings of God. We can miss what is right in front of us: trees that give us oxygen, friends who support us, rain that sustains life, the sun that provides energy, and so on. Today, we are reminded that creation itself reveals God's glory. We don't need to do a deep dive when we have a demonstration of his glory all around us. We were designed with the capacity to understand and explore this work of God's divine nature. This awareness in itself is a gift, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of our world. These wonders have been around 'since the creation of the world', offering us a daily invitation to reflect and give thanks. 

By choosing thankfulness today, we honour the Divine Creator behind it all, acknowledging not just the gift but also the giver! 

Prayer — Thank you, God, for the simple, surrounding blessings in life. Please help me see them and remember to give you thanks and honour.