by Samantha

Created on: September 19, 2010

It struck me today how thrilled my dog is to get a treat - not just any old treat, but the very cheapest treats I can find in the store.  She gets all wiggly and dances around just thinking about it.  When I finally give it to her, she devours it instantly, and I wonder if her taste buds even get a chance at the goodie before it hits her tummy.  As soon as the treat is safely nestled there, she looks at me with eyes that say, “Thank you so much, Mom!  Now can I have another? Just one more?  Please?”  Gone are all thoughts of the original treat, replaced by the possibility of another.  Dogs are so inappreciative.

We, as Christians, sometimes exhibit dog behavior.  We dance around and make promises to God, if He will only help us.  We beg and beg Him for a treat, and when it is given we simply say, “Thanks God!  Now what about this other need I have?”  Just like my dog, we give no further thought to the last treat.  If it’s a particularly large treat, like a big rawhide bone (a new car or paid mortgage), we may dig it up and remember it every now and then, but what about all those little treats He gives all day long?  A car ride with the window down (the safe drive to the store)…A soft, comfortable doggy bed (the heat and warmth during the winter)…Full food and water dishes (food in the pantry and water in the faucet).  We want to live treat-to-treat, and fail to savor each and every one.

 In Psalm 100, David says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise [definition: the expression of gratitude for personal favors conferred]: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; And his truth endureth to all generations.”  Colossians 3:15 also commands us to be thankful.  Romans chapter 1 reminds us of the downward spiral that occurs when we fail to glorify God and thank him.

We are commanded to be thankful, for the little things as well as the big.  Imagine if God only provided the big things – the saved marriage, the house, the job – but neglected the ‘little’ treats.  What a mess we would have! 

Thankfully, God is gracious, and gives us what we don’t deserve.  He gives, knowing we may not be thankful.  He gives, knowing we will forget.  What a good God we have!  What a loving God we have!  Praise God!  I feel revived just thinking about these things!

David didn’t care what others thought, he praised God.  I am encouraged to follow David’s example, and go sing and dance!  Make a joyful noise to God!  Praise Him and be thankful! 

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