GRATITUDE (Why Gratitude Matters).

Date: 27/09/25

Christian Treasures Devotional

Topic: Why Gratitude Matters at All Times

Anchor Scripture: Psalm 107:1 ("Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"), 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ("Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"), and Philippians 4:6 ("Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God").

These passages encourage continuous thankfulness and express gratitude for God's goodness and faithfulness.

Be blessed today in Jesus' name as you read this devotional. Today's topic serves as a reminder that gratitude matters at all times and why we must be grateful, even if we have little. Be blessed in Jesus' name. Amen.

A mother served her ten-year-old son a meal after he returned from school. The boy looked at the food, hissed, and pushed it away. The mother, feeling helpless, said, "This is what I can afford right now; please manage it." He yelled at her, pointing to his food, "I am tired of eating the same thing every day!" Angrily, he stood up and walked out of the house.

Seeing her son walk away brought tears to her eyes. Yes, he was right; he had every reason to feel tired of the same meals. She quickly followed him, calling out, "Sammy, come back, please!" But he had already run out of sight. She sighed, wondering where he would go. Maybe next door to old Mr. Jerry, whom he loved to visit and play with his new dog.

However, Sammy was not with Jerry; he had been wandering around all afternoon. As evening approached, he found himself sitting in the park, lost in thought about what his dad might be doing. Did he miss them? Surely not; if he did, he would have come back. Sammy reminisced about when everything was fine, before his dad lost his job and began drinking. In his young mind, he didn’t understand much.

His father eventually moved out, leaving him and his mother. Since then, he had become involved with another woman and, like before, remained financially unstable. That was close to two years ago. Occasionally, he called to promise that he would send money as soon as he found a new job, but those promises never materialized.

Thinking about his mother, Sammy began to feel pity for her. Maybe he had been too harsh. He decided to head home since the park was getting deserted. When he arrived home, he saw his mother sitting on the sofa, visibly relieved as he walked into the house. She had left the door unlocked, praying he wouldn't get into trouble.

"I’m sorry, Mum," he said, hugging her tightly, tears streaming down his cheeks. Martha embraced her son, replying, "I’m sorry too. Please, just hold on a little longer." Now, both mother and son were sobbing together. His mother quickly offered him a bowl of hot porridge, and he looked surprised at the food. "Mum, you are amazing!" he exclaimed excitedly as he sat down to eat. "How did you manage this?" "Never mind, that's my secret," his mother winked at him with a smile.

What a story! Many of us behave like little Sammy, telling God how we've been enduring tough conditions while feeling entitled. We often forget to express our thanks first. Sometimes, we treat the Almighty God as if He were our servant. Many believers think of God as a magician; yes, He can do all things, but we also need to acknowledge His gifts.

JESUS’ EXAMPLE:

In Matthew 14:19, Jesus looked up to heaven and gave thanks for the five loaves of bread and two fish. Romans 8:32 tells us, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Let's learn to appreciate God for the present, the past, and the future. Just as Sammy ran back to his mother to apologize, we too can return to God and seek His forgiveness. The Bible assures us that He is merciful and understands our weaknesses.

LIFE LESSONS:

- God understands our weaknesses and waits for us to return to Him, as Sammy returned home.

- He will forgive us, just as the father forgave the prodigal son.

- Let's learn to appreciate God's provision at all times. Appreciation opens the door for us to receive even more.

REFLECTION:

Take a moment to look inward today. Have you been taking God's grace, help, or provision for granted? If so, please tell Him you are sorry, and watch how He moves in your life.

LET'S PRAY:

Lord, thank You for Your words to me today. Be glorified in Jesus' name. Amen. Please give me a heart of gratitude to understand Your grace and love toward me in Jesus' name. Amen.