DON’T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED—BE GRATEFUL TO GOD

Introduction

This week, in a men’s Bible study that I lead each Thursday (6:30 a.m.–7:30 a.m.), we explored the theme of “Boasting only in the Cross, the blazing center of the glory of God”, based on Chapter 3 of Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper.

One of the key questions we reflected on was:

Do you view life, breath, health, and friendships through the lens of the Cross?
Do you take these things for granted and view them as yours by right?
What biblical truths have you neglected that lead you to regard these blessings as rights?

Several Bible passages help me maintain a heart of gratitude and remind me not to take God’s blessings for granted.

1. Jacob’s Gratitude and God’s Mercy (Genesis 28:3-4, 10-22)

Jacob, though running from the consequences of his own deception, encountered God in a powerful and personal way. Despite his unworthiness, God reaffirmed His promises to him.

In response, Jacob set up a memorial stone at Bethel, consecrating it to God and making a vow:

“If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God…” (Genesis 28:20-22)

Jacob recognized that his blessings were not his by right but by God’s grace and mercy. He later referred to the Lord as “The Stone of Israel” (Genesis 49:24), a reminder that all he had came from God.

2. The Lord Provides (Psalm 23, Psalm 34:8-10, Psalm 37:4)

King David, once a shepherd himself, acknowledged that the Lord is our Shepherd, meeting our needs:

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

David also urges us to trust in God's provision:

“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him.” (Psalm 34:8, The Message)

These verses remind us that when God provides, we should not just enjoy the blessings and forget the One who gave them. Psalm 37:4 encourages us to delight in the Lord, and He will give us the desires of our hearts.

If we ever find ourselves taking these blessings for granted, we should seek God’s forgiveness and renew a heart of gratitude.

3. God’s Gifts and Favor (Psalm 84:11, Psalm 103:3-12)

Psalm 84:11 highlights God's generous nature:

“For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

The sons of Korah rightly observed that God gives good gifts to His people. Similarly, Psalm 103 lists His many blessings:

He forgives all our sins
He heals all our diseases
He redeems our life from destruction
He crowns us with love and compassion

Taking time to reflect on these blessings cultivates a heart of praise and thankfulness, reminding us that all we have comes from God’s grace, not entitlement.

4. Every Good Gift Comes from God (James 1:17)

One of my favorite verses, James 1:17, reminds us of the source of all good things:

“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)

Whenever I see a newborn child, I love to quote this verse, reminding parents that their child is a perfect gift from God. This truth extends beyond children to everything we have—our talents, opportunities, and even our very breath.

Recognizing God as the source of all blessings helps us avoid pride and cultivate gratitude. We should never assume we are entitled to our gifts but rather receive them with humility and thanksgiving.

Conclusion: A Heart of Gratitude

These Scriptures remind us that:

Everything we have comes from God’s grace, not our merit.
Blessings should lead to gratitude, not entitlement.
When we forget, we must realign our hearts and give thanks.

May we always acknowledge God’s goodness and never take His blessings for granted.

Next-Gen

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

BE GRATEFUL TO GOD