How often do we forget to give thanks?

A couple of weeks ago the assigned Gospel lesson for worship was Luke 17:11-19. You know the account from Jesus’ life of the 10 leprous men. Jesus healed all 10, but only one man returned to give thanks. And according to Jesus, this was the one man who might have been expected not to give thanks because he was “a foreigner.” (Luke 17:18)

How often do we forget to give thanks? Or, what does it take to help us realize how gracious and good God is to us?

On Friday morning I heard “praise and thanks” to God from three people who might not have been expected to say “thank you.”

First, I received a thank you for prayers from a person who has recently been diagnosed with cancer — for the third time. It seems to me it would be natural to react with anger, or sadness, or disbelief, that such a diagnosis was given. But, what came to me was thanks, thanks for prayers to God for His mercy.

Second, I got a Facebook message of thanks from a family who went through the trials last year of having a baby born almost 17 weeks early. There were many times that the life of this child was not assured by the doctors. There were many times of desperate prayer and serious concern. Many, many friends joined in prayer for this baby and this family. But, on Friday, about 13 ½ months after the birth of this baby I received a message of thanks from this family for the privilege of seeing God work in their lives, and in the lives of their son. It seems to me it would be natural to wonder why God allowed this to happen and affect their lives. But, the message I received was a message of thanks, thanks because God showed His love and power in their lives and in the life of their son. They were thankful because they saw God working. By the way, this child is now big, and healthy, and growing! God IS good!

Finally, I had someone share with me thanks for another answer to prayer. On Wednesday noon in Bible class we prayed as our session ended. Before our prayers I asked if anyone had concerns for which we should pray, and there were many. In fact, in our group of eight people, there were four of the families whose loved ones were facing serious family stress. We prayed for these concerns and today one of those for whom we prayed stopped by and shared that God had given relief and peace. Even in the midst of continued concern, this person was not complaining to God, but thanking Him.

Thankfulness really comes from the heart of a grateful person. Often, when we don’t expect to see God work, but we see His loving hand, the thanks pours out of our hearts.

In truth, God is always watching out for those He created. Psalm 145 says, “15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.” But, even though God is always taking care of us, sometimes we forget His love, or take it for granted and like the 9 leprous men in Luke 17, we also forget to give thanks. Why does it often take unexpected goodness for us to see God’s love and give Him thanks?

God’s greatest gift of unexpected love comes in Jesus. We don’t deserve God’s love. Our selfishness and rebellion and sin deserves punishment. But instead, God sent His Son, HIS SON, to live and suffer and die for us, so that we might receive His mercy and forgiveness and life through faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, we sometimes take this amazing grace of God for granted too and forget to give thanks.

How about you? When has God surprised you with His mercy and love? Do you see God’s love in every breath? Do you see God’s love in His promise of eternal life through Jesus? “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Jonathan Rockey is pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. This column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman or its parent company, Wick Communications.