God is so good to human beings. He does good to each one of them, even to those who hate Him. It is said of God in Psalms 119:68 that, “You are good, and do good.” God has done us good, giving us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness (see Acts 14:17).
It is for that reason that you and I should take time to thank Him. He is worthy of all our praise, because all that we are and possess has come from Him. “By Him (Jesus) let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name,” Hebrews 13:15.
God loves a soul that thanks Him, and whoever does so positions themselves to receive more from Him. Most Christians know that it is by faith that we receive from God. However, few seem to realize that for that faith to work, it must be coupled with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 talks about being “established in the faith . . . abounding in it with thanksgiving.” It is for your benefit therefore that you express gratitude to God for His goodness; it will enable you to receive more from Him.
In Uganda, the Baganda have a saying, “Etasiima, ebula ajiwa.” Translated in English, this means that an ungrateful soul fails to find one to give to it. In fact, the Baganda have another wonderful proverb that says, “Webale webale akumalako ebibyo.” Translated in English, that proverb means that a person who always thanks you will end up taking all your stuff. Why? Because, thanksgiving is “magical”, it arouses a desire within the heart of the giver to give more to a receiver who knows how to genuinely give thanks.
One of the things that brings me immense pleasure is coming across identical twins and watching them interact. When such an opportunity comes, I always endeavor to give thanks to God. Years ago, I got this exact opportunity, I found identical twins at a restaurant; two beautiful ladies in their early twenties. Watching them was great entertainment to me, and I knew God had created this opportunity to bring pleasure to my heart. I therefore had to thank Him. The only way I could do so was to clear the twins’ bill. I remember walking to their table and telling them how I love identical twins, and how I had been entertained watching them. Then I said, “For that matter, here is money for your meals, and keep the balance for your transport to wherever you are going after here.” They were surprisingly amazed and blessed. Little did they know that by blessing them, I was giving thanks to God.
Last year, at another restaurant, I found another set of identical twins, this time they were gentlemen in their late thirties. Once again I thanked God for the wonderful opportunity. When they were ready to pay for their meal, the waitress informed them that “all was sorted.” Someone had obviously given thanks to God.
The point I am driving home is that you should never forget to carry with you the bag in which you keep your thank-you(s). Carry it wherever you go and generously distribute those thank-you(s). The more you do so, the more of God’s goodness you shall experience.
God bless you.