Let's Talk About Thanks! (Part 2)

Yesterday, Part 1 of the Thankful series focused on the true concept of thanks, how it relates to other desirable traits and the importance of maintaining a grateful spirit. We also briefly explored viewing thanks from different perspectives. Today’s message looks at what generally happens after thanks are given, after prayers have gone up and our deepest expressions of need leave us waiting and wanting. We will also examine how God’s own timing invariably transcends everything else.

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How do we respond with thanks when we do not get what we ask for in prayer? We have to be mindful of our “asks”. Many of our natural, human desires are not things that we necessarily need. Our perceived non-negotiable must haves, we think, are necessary to have any semblance of pleasure or satisfaction. Realistically, many times the things that seem vitally important in the moment ultimately are not the kinds of things that would create any real deficit in our lives if we were not able to attain them. Some of the stuff that we value would not add anything significant to our lives. Many times, they are passing fancies that have little if anything to do with our purpose. God will not grant our petitions if they are not aligned with His will. In his infinite wisdom, He will give us those things that would serve us best. We have to trust and believe that if God does not grant our requests, it is because He is working things out for our good while preparing us for something unimaginable. The fact that we have a God who will withhold these things from us should bring us much joy and cause us to experience deep, abiding gratitude. When the Creator’s hand is in it, no matter how long it takes, it will be well worth the wait.

With the advantage of hindsight, we can often see that even God’s denials of our requests have been instructive and beneficial. We can thank Him for not getting that job, not getting that house, not having that relationship, not saddling ourselves with debt based on a fleeting desire; the list goes on and on. Other times, whether our petitions are granted is based on God’s timing. As you might have heard many times before, delay is not denial. There are times when God might have the same thing in mind that you are requesting. He knows exactly when and under what circumstances we would be in the best position to receive those things that we ask. Only He knows the best, optimal timing to give us the good, perfect gifts that only He can provide (James 1:17). Let us thank Him for being the omniscient Creator who has perfect timing.

How do we know what to ask? The knowledge of the Lord is essential to asking with the right motives (James 4:3) and to having confidence in Him. Armed with this confidence, we will not hesitate to talk to Him, asking Him for our needs and desires. We have to know Him, and we can only get to know Him through faith that comes from hearing and becoming more familiar with his word (Romans 10:17). When we find ourselves in a situation and need the hand of God to get us through it, we have to be in relationship with Christ to know what He might ask in a similar situation. We should not only focus on the tangible things in life. We must know what He values and what He condemns in order to pray in His name and expect that our prayers will be answered. Seek and ask for wisdom, patience, love and the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is through a consistent connection and relationship with the Holy Spirit that we develop obedience that enables us to operate from a position of total submission to God and His will for our life. Keeping this is mind blesses our petitions. We can confidently ask knowing that in His own time, God will supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19) and some of our desires.

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I invite you to meditate on this message of thankfulness as we prepare to move on to Part 3, the conclusion of the Thankful series. This final installment will offer thoughts on our Creator’s mercy towards us and our responsibility to thank and praise Him. As always, please feel free to share this message with others and add your comments below as you are compelled to do so.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gifts that you have given us and also each challenge, trial and tribulation that has been sent our way. Thank you for these challenges that we do not ask for but know that they are sent to shape us into the kind of people that you would have us to become. Thank you, Father, for your plans for our life and your perfect timing in carrying out your plans. We pray Lord that we will grow closer to you through your word and that our desires will agree with your purpose for us. Lord, we ask that you continue to protect and correct us as we humble ourselves in your presence. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we do pray. Amen.