The Power of Genuine Gratitude: Remembering God as Our Provider

Colossians 3:17

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)

Giving thanks is not a trivial thing. It is very easy to sit down before a meal and quickly mutter a rote prayer before starting the meal. We may have a blessing and respond with only a passing, almost automatic, “Thank God.” In doing so, we make giving thanks something small and without much meaning. However, gratitude is at the very heart of our faith. Giving thanks to God is an acknowledgment that He is the source of what we have received. Without gratitude, it is easy to begin crediting other people, ourselves, or even other entities for what we have received. But the Bible is clear: there is one Provider, one source—and it is God.

James 1:1717 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

If we forget that He is the Provider of every good and perfect gift, then, despite what we may say we believe, our hope will falter when we face lack. We might verbally acknowledge God as our Provider, but in a financial crisis, we may not be certain He will provide. In times of circumstantial struggle, we might claim to trust God, but when peace, wisdom, or resources are lacking, we may turn to worldly solutions or temporary fixes. We might try to find peace through alcohol, wisdom through AI, or resources through charities—but what they provide will not be framed in our minds as gifts from God. We may say He provides for all our needs, but we might not truly believe it. The result is greater susceptibility to stress, anxiety, anger, and fear.

However, when we practice earnest and heartfelt gratitude rather than superficial thankfulness, we become secure in Him. Our faith increases, and our peace is magnified.

Prayer: Lord, help me to discipline myself to pause and express heartfelt gratitude rather than superficial thankfulness, regularly remembering that You are my Provider. Amen.