God has many thoughts of love, grace, and mercy concerning you, a sinner such as you are. He has thoughts about your spiritual blessings, your redemption and salvation by Christ, and your eternal life in fellowship with him. God hears your prayers; he listens to your requests and answers them in his own time and according to his judgment of what is best for you. He is a God who bestows favors on you, granting you his presence, indulging you in communion with him, and favoring you with endless supplies of his grace and innumerable mercies. For these and all other things, you should be overflowing with gratitude.
I know that you, a child of God, are grateful, and I pray this characteristic will stay with you all the days of your life. We should always be grateful because the Lord is always with us. Be thankful in all that you do and say, even if you must wait for your heart’s desire, for in Christ, you have already received the most precious gift – everlasting life!
Friend, in Christ, you are renewed; by his grace, you were restored. Realize your dependence on him and your complete inability to restore yourself. Do not forget your cleansing. With gratitude, proclaim the work that Christ has performed in and for you. Expressing gratitude honors God and gives him the glory for all that he has done. Gratitude is the realization that all you have and all that you are is a gift from God. Again, you should always be grateful, no matter what your circumstances may be. In practicing constant, conscious gratitude, you will cultivate a heart of thankfulness that will only bring more joy to your life. I want this for you.
My dear friend, give thanks to God in all things with strong affection, sincerity, and a true heart. Be grateful that God is God and that he loves you so much. And please remember that I am so grateful for you and love you so much. Now, please pray for me. That will be a most appreciated reward for the effort I have put into teaching you these things.
