Have you ever done something that you thought was special for another person and they in turn just took it for granted – they never thanked you for doing it?  As we approach Thanksgiving this week, let’s all remind ourselves of what we should be thankful for. Psychologists tell us that sincere gratitude or thanksgiving is the healthiest of all human emotions.  They say that gratitude produces more positive emotional energy than any other attitude in life.  You see the act of giving thanks is not only good for the giver but also good for the person on the receiving end.   When people are not grateful they tend to complain more and that is not good because not only does God hear your words of gratitude, He also hears your words when you complain and He doesn’t like it.  Numbers 11:1 says “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it.”

The Masai Tribe in Africa have a unique way of expressing their gratitude.  When they want to say thank you to someone who has helped them, they quietly sit on the ground in front of the hut of the person who did them the favor for hours at a time.  They are not only telling the person how thankful they are, but they are also showing the whole tribe how grateful they are.  Ungratefulness is one of the worst of all sins especially when we enjoy the blessings of life, food, home, friends, health, and live in a land of freedom and never even say “thank you” to God. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I don’t think we can ever give too much praise and glory to God.  Our hearts should be over-flowing with thanksgiving for who He is, what He has already done and what He has planned for our future.  I pray that our hearts will turn back to God and we will once again give God pre-eminence in our lives. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” Now is a good time for the people of God to humble ourselves, pray and seek His face to bring unity, love and peace to this divided nation.  If we don’t, then who will?