Devotion: Notice & Thank God

Luke 11:15-16

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.

In the midst of life, where do you notice and thank God?

Pastor Michelle’s message this weekend focused on noticing and paying attention to the little things in our daily life. She encouraged us to respond by thanking God, just as the one healed leper had done in the scripture reading.

Noticing little moments that happen throughout my day is pretty easy. Today, I noticed that the fridge is so full of food for the upcoming holiday weekend that I can’t close the door unless I take out tonight’s dinner. I noticed that the backyard squirrels are making quite a mess eating the Halloween pumpkins. I noticed that the pile of shoes is still there even though someone said they would clean it up yesterday. It’s easy for me to notice these everyday things. But responding by thanking God is not always my next thought.

After reflecting on these particular examples, I could have said “Thank you, God, for blessing us with so much food.” “Good job, God! Look at you providing for the creatures of the earth. Thank you.” “Thank you for filling my house with my people even if it means a cluttered room.” Why is my first instinct to be annoyed or frustrated over these daily moments? Maybe it’s my personality and maybe I just don’t pay enough attention to all that God has given me. Maybe I lean more toward those nine men who were healed and never turned back to praise God, than the one who was thankful.

In the midst of life, where do you notice and thank God?

Dear God,
Please help me to turn around and thank and praise you for both the big and small moments in my life. Help me to notice and respond to your blessings with love and gratitude. During this week of Thanksgiving, help me abundantly show your example. In Your precious Son’s name, Amen.

Written by Julie Anderson