ThankfulnessEsimerkki

Giving thanks for the “ordinary things” in life There are so many good things in life we tend to take for granted. Having a house to live in, food to eat, being healthy, a job, people around us who love us and care for us... These things are essential, but not automatic. They are gifts from God. The Bible makes clear that even natural phenomena like rain, sunshine, and the growing of crops are guided by God. He is the Creator of everything, and He is still in control. In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord explained to the Israelites how He wanted to bless them. These blessings were not only spiritual. Moses told the people: “He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you” (Deuteronomy 7:13). Not only the exceptional, spectacular blessings are reason to say thanks. We can also thank God for ordinary daily blessings like a healthy meal or a good night’s sleep. For “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Do you recognize your “daily bread” as a gift from God?