I Give Up Being Ungrateful

Day 18 of Lenten Devotional
Guest Post by Emily Lindsey, Broadway United Methodist Church

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

“Thank you.”

It is such an easy phrase to throw around without meaning it. It’s the same with words like, “I owe you one!” or “I appreciate it.”

When I have good things happening in my life, I neglect to talk to God and give thanks for all the wonderful blessings he has provided for me. Of course, there’s the “Thank you for our blessings” that we say before we eat dinner, but lately, that is the only time I spend in conversation with Him about my blessings.

To this day I am overwhelmed with humility when I read John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus died on the cross? For me? Me? Of all people, an ungrateful sinner. Why would he do that? To think that He would love us so much to die on the cross for our sins is a baffling concept.

Being grateful does not only mean giving thanks when things are going really well. It means giving thanks during times of struggle, anxiety, and heartbreak as well. During the season of Lent, I want to give up being ungrateful because there is so much to be grateful for! We are loved by an incredible, awesome God who sent his son to die for us. Let this season remind us of what Easter is all about and give thanks for it.

Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. Help us remember to be grateful in times of happiness as well as times of upset. Please remind us of your ever flowing, overwhelming love for us, and let us be thankful for everything you bring into our lives. We love you. Amen.

Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.