Everybody likes being appreciated—even God. The next time you compliment someone or give them a heartfelt thanks, pay attention to how their whole expression and manner change. Everybody likes to be appreciated. It makes us seen, valued, and joyful. Some feel too awkward or embarrassed to show appreciation to others, so they let the moment pass. When they notice someone looks especially lovely that day or has gone the extra mile to help another, they keep it to themselves. What a blessing we miss when we hold our appreciation.
The same is true with our relationship with God. He is so loving to hear and answer all our prayers, yet we forget to thank Him when we notice. Is it that we have grown so accustomed to God’s kindness and grace that we have learned to take His love for granted? Let it never be so! I want God to know how much I appreciate His love and to always feel my love for Him.
So, how do we show God our appreciation? First, we offer God our love and gratitude by spending time with Him. When we pray, we give thanks for all our blessings. We praise His name and tell Him how much He means to us. When we are in a dark place, we let go of our troubles and trust His Word. We not only believe in God, but we believe God to do all those things He has promised in His Word. Our prayers should focus on showing the Lord love, thanksgiving, and praise—not just asking for things we think we need. After all, how would you feel if the only time your best friend called was to ask for a favor?
Sometimes, the best way to show our love for God is to simply sit in silent appreciation. Reflect on God’s creations, blessings, lessons, and wisdom, and know that all things good come from Him. When we truly appreciate all God’s gifts and be satisfied with what we have, He then blesses us with that much more. The Bible in (Zechariah 2:8 NIV) lets us know just what God thinks of us. For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye.) Imagine that! God considers us the apple of His eye!
If you feel distant from God—like your relationship with Him has gone dry, try showing Him appreciation. I have always loved music, so I sing to Him when I want to draw especially close. Sometimes I sing in the Spirit. Even though I don’t understand the words, God knows. When driving, I sing songs I’ve learned on our praise team. When I’m in my God chair, I reach up to the Lord like a child would do when wanting to be picked up by her father. On a walk, I look at nature and thank God for all the beauty He has given me. Can you believe that if you were the only person on earth, God would still have created all this beauty and pleasure just for you? Now that’s something to appreciate, don’t you think?
It can become difficult to show the Lord our appreciation and love when we are experiencing a dark time, but He is still there with us, always ready to lead us into the light. It is during those dark times that we need to praise and thank Him all the more. Why? For one, we don’t have to spend eternity in that darkness. If we have learned to hear and obey God’s voice, we know the darkness is only temporary. We understand that the darkness is a time of learning and a time when God pours forth His amazing grace and mercy. We know that we are never alone.
If you’re not feeling God’s love, ask him to open the door to your heart and fill it with His joy that surpasses all understanding. It does not matter what goes on in the world around us when we are beneath the protective covering of God. He will keep us safe from our enemies and safe from the tricks of our minds. Showing God our loving appreciation is a great way to ensure we stand firm and claim His Word. Do you want to ask God for a favor? Ask Him to give you a few “special” Scriptures that speak to you. Memorize those Scriptures and cling to them when you feel separated from the Lord. He will pull you back and surround you with His loving warmth.
It’s time to stop thinking about our past sins or loss and look forward to God’s love for us. God is so much mightier than the enemy who would pull us down. His love is unconditional and always present. Showing thanks and appreciation draws us closer to God, so don’t be shy about expressing it and sharing it with others.