Have you ever been so thankful that you’ve asked yourself, “What can I give back to God for the blessings He’s poured out on me?”
The writer of Psalms 116 asks this very question: “What shall I render [give] to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Like many of us at times, he recognized GOD IS GOOD and His benefits are overwhelming!
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5)
A benefit is anything that is advantageous or good. In other words, it is a benefit our sins are forgiven and God remembers them no more (Hebrews 10:17). It is a benefit to be able to call upon Jesus for healing (Isaiah 53:5). It is a benefit to discover we are not utterly lost (Psalm 40:2). It is a benefit to be covered in grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a benefit to have your life filled with good things (1 Timothy 6:17) and your strength renewed (Romans 8:11).
Just spend a little time meditating on these alone, and you’ll be shouting His praise in no time. And I have no doubt you’ll join me (and the psalmist) in asking,
“How can I thank You and repay You, God?”
The Psalmist actually answered his own question and I think it’s a good one. He said, “What can I offer the Lord for all He has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all His people” (Psalm 116:12-14).
There you have it. You want to show your thanks? Here’s what you can do:
1. Receive your salvation
Sounds simple, but there are so many people who struggle with their salvation. I was one of them at one time. I accepted His invitation for Heaven, but I wrestled with accepting His forgiveness of my sins. I finally had to come to terms with His amazing love (which I didn’t deserve) and decide to live fully for Him out of a thankful heart.
2. Praise God often
Don’t wait until you get to church. Begin to recognize Him in every area of your life and tell Him thank you. Whisper it, shout it, whatever seems good to you, but let Him know often how grateful you are for all He has done for you!
3. Keep His Word
This might be the number one way to show your gratitude. Jesus said, “He who has My commands and keeps them, it is he who loves Me” (John 14:21). We are going to fail at times, but failure isn’t the act of falling short– failure is quitting altogether. When we learn what pleases God (meaning, what His Word asks of us), and we do our best to act on that Word making it a part of our lives, we are in essence thanking Him for all He’s done for us.
You can show your gratitude. We will never be able to repay God— but our lives can always be a continual testimony of thanksgiving.
