God Thought 11/23/22

SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING
Upper Room Daily Devotion Aug. 18, 2022
by Kelly Mulligan Jamieson

I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord. - Psalm 116:17 (NRSV)

This verse puzzled me the first time I read it. How can thanksgiving be a sacrifice? I thought a sacrifice was supposed to be something difficult. What’s so hard about being thankful, and why is it so important?

Years later, I was married and had five children. My days were consumed with motherhood: driving children everywhere, loads of laundry, grocery shopping, cooking. I often felt overlooked and underappreciated. But then one of my children, with no prompting, would say the simple words, “Thanks, Mom!” That was all I needed and wanted to hear! To be noticed and appreciated by those I love always makes my day.

This is exactly the sacrifice God wants from us. We need to take our eyes off ourselves, take time to acknowledge God, and thank God for the innumerable ways he blesses us every day. This is a sacrifice of time and self. It means noticing the many blessings that uplift our lives. It means putting our eyes on God and giving God honor, appreciation, and thanks.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, forgive us when we take you for granted. Create in us a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving for all you are and all you do. Amen.

TODAY'S READING - 2 Corinthians 9:10-15