Home Again, Home Again…

 

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

 

Travel is fun but it takes a toll on the body and the mind. As we were scrunched into the back of my daughter’s van on the way home from a day of flying and driving, a friend said, “I can’t wait to get home to my own bed.” Everyone agreed.

The next day, we were in church and heard preaching on Ecclesiastes 2 reminding us to be thankful to the Lord for all we have. Solomon had everything, but at least for a time, he was not thankful  for all God had given him (Ecclesiastes 2:17).

Our friend’s statement in the car did not come off as complaining about the travel, rather, it sounded thankful that she had a familiar, comfortable, place to lay her head when she got home. A familiar bed, favorite foods, predictable schedules, and familiar people, all make us happy to be back to our own routines.

As we consider all these things, do we recognize the sovereignty and providence of God in His provision for us? Are we thankful? If so, what does thankful “look” like?

It is very easy to verbally express thanksgiving to God for what He has given us. It is a different matter to “live” thankfully.

• Thankful people are generous people (2 Corinthians 4:15, 9:11). They give grace as they have received grace.
• Thankful people are joyful people (Psalm 107:22). Their joy is contagious and comes recognizing the generosity of God.
• Thankful people are servants of God and servants to others(2 Corinthians 9:12-13). They are willing to serve others because they are thankful for what God has done for them in their salvation and sanctification.
• Thankful people are peaceful people (Colossians 3:5; Philippians 4:6). This doesn’t mean there are no disruptions in their lives, but their faith keeps them thankful, recognizing God’s hand in every circumstance.
• Thankful people speak to others about the goodness of God (1 Corinthians 14:16). Paul asks if we are thankful in our spirit only, how will others know what we are saying and “Amen” it?
• Thankful people are prayerful people (Colossians 4:2; Acts 26:22). Thankful people want to thank God. In fact, they cannot help but thank God. They know where their help comes from.

We are thankful for attending a Godly wedding in Houston, Texas. But, as the nursery rhyme ends, “home again, home again, jiggedy jog!”

What do you have to be thankful for today?

More importantly, what do we need to change so others see our gratitude to God?