Gratitude Matters
You know those weeks when your to‑do list feels impossible—when you realize that if God doesn’t carry you through, it simply won’t get done? That was me last week. Between writing deadlines, teaching responsibilities, and all the little details that had to fall into place, I found myself continually asking God for help. And He graciously answered.
As soon as I got in my car after teaching, I said out loud, “Thank You, God.”
On the drive home, I thought about how important it is to say thanks to God—and how many times I’ve sadly neglected to do this. The truth is I’m usually quick to thank others, but sometimes slow to thank God. Yet He is the One who has given me everything: breath in my lungs, daily provision, and new mercies each morning. As I drove in silence, I reflected on this and was reminded of a sobering account about gratitude in Luke 17.
Gratitude That God Notices
Luke 17:11–19 tells the story of ten lepers Jesus healed, yet only one returned to say thank you. Luke was intentional in noting that Jesus noticed the gratitude of the one, as well as the silence of the nine. And he was purposeful in including Jesus’ question—a question that speaks to us today, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”
Jesus’s inquiry was more than a question—it was a statement about gratitude. It matters. And not just to people. It matters deeply to God.
To be clear, God doesn’t need our thanks to feel good about Himself—He’s God! But He does call us to give thanks, not for His sake but for ours. Gratitude reminds us of His consistent goodness and faithfulness, filling us with confidence and courage as His dearly loved children.
In essence, when we thank God we recognize Him as Lord acknowledging that He is worthy of our gratitude at all times, in every season, and for every reason.
Back to My Week
So, while I am deeply grateful for the prayers, the opportunities, and even the details that fell into place during my busy week, ultimately my gratitude belongs to God. God who works powerfully through me in spite of me. God who gives me the words to write and share. God who has chosen me for His purposes and honor.
And that’s the point: God deserves my thanks—not just for what He does, but for who He is.
Where This Meets You
My friend, I recognize the week I shared is similar to many of yours right now. If this describes you, be encouraged. God is with you, and He will help you. He’ll do this because He is consistently faithful and good. When He shows up on your behalf, as He is famous for doing, remember to say, “Thank You, God.”
We readily express thanks to family, friends, coworkers, even complete strangers and this is good and right. Yet ultimately, our deepest thanks must go to the One who has blessed us with everything we have. To be clear, God doesn’t love us more when we say thank you, but He delights in our sincere gratitude. Gratitude matters. It matters to people, and most significantly, it matters deeply to God.
So perhaps take some time today reflecting on the good things God has done in and through you—recently or in the past. Record your gratitude in a journal, on a piece of paper, or even on a sticky note. Then, as gratitude fills your heart, let it overflow in a simple yet powerful declaration of “Thank You, God.”
Pray
Holy God, forgive me for the many times I’ve failed to give thanks. I know that everything I have comes from You, is for You, and that apart from You I can do nothing. Teach me to consistently recognize Your gracious hand at work in and over my life. You are merciful, faithful, and good. And I am deeply grateful. Thank You, Lord.
Reflect
When was the last time you paused to thank God—not just for what He has done, but simply for who He is?
Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!