Many of us must have thought about a time when we will have things we’ve always prayed for. As human beings, we have a habit of creating an imaginary world in our minds to which we escape – a wonderland where we are complete and have everything we ever wanted at once.
The truth is, the world of completeness some of us dream of can make it very difficult to experience happiness in the real world. This is not to say your happy dreams cannot come true. Of course, your beautiful dreams and aspirations are valid. The problem here is that many of us believe we must have it all before we can be happy. The house, the car, the spouse, and all the money, just to name a few. For such people, this behavior also affects the way they show gratitude to God.
An example is how some will pray for a better job opportunity. Perhaps believing it will be the final piece in life’s jigsaw puzzle. However, because God is yet to answer that prayer request, they find it hard to see other miracles in their lives. Things they have taken for granted but really are things to be grateful for. Think about it, although that job you’re trusting God hasn’t come, have you considered that someone has ensured that you’re in sound health of mind and body? Have you said thank you to the supreme being responsible?
As Christians who understand we are children of God, it’s easy to feel entitled and spoiled. Sometimes we even feel like God has not blessed us enough. Some will say “if only I could just get married.” These same people forget that they have the gift of life, and that is something to be thankful for. A lot of people engage mainly in request-filled prayer – prayer that has no space to thank God for the things already have in their hands. What we are quick to forget is those things we love and fail to count as a blessing can be taken from us.
So why should we thank God today even when what we are praying for hasn’t come?
I believe it is because giving God thanks for all things demonstrates that we recognize His goodness and mercy in our lives. Giving thanks expresses our trust that God is working all things for His good purposes that will benefit us. Our thanks shouldn’t come because we understand or see what God has for us. Our faith should inspire our gratitude to the Almighty for doing all things that pertain to us in His perfect time.
So my dear friend, have you thanked God today?
Ogo Adelakun writes on diverse subjects.
