But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. — Deuteronomy 8:18

As we start the month that is often associated with giving thanks, Moses’s words are a good reminder. When things are going well, it’s so easy for us to forget to be thankful. When we’re in trouble, it’s easy to complain and ask God for help, but when good things happen to us, we often feel like we “deserve” them. God tells us that what we have is just proof of his grace and that he always does what he says he will do. We need to remind ourselves and each other that the good things in our lives come from God, not because we are better than other people.

 

Thought

As we start the month that is often associated with giving thanks, Moses’s words are a good reminder. When things are going well, it’s so easy for us to forget to be thankful. When we’re in trouble, it’s easy to complain and ask God for help, but when good things happen to us, we often feel like we “deserve” them. God tells us that what we have is just proof of his grace and that he always does what he says he will do. We need to remind ourselves and each other that the good things in our lives come from God, not because we are better than other people.

 

Prayer

Kind Father, please forgive me for forgetting. I know deep down that I don’t deserve all the good things you’ve given me, but sometimes I feel like I’ve earned them. Use your Spirit to make me have a heart like Jesus, who deserved everything good but gave it all up to come to earth and give me the greatest gift imaginable: your salvation. Thank you so much for this gift of grace and all the other things you’ve given me that I don’t deserve. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.