40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Day 5

Thankfulness works in the Christian community as it usually does in the Christian life. Only those who give thanks for the little things receive the great things as well. We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts prepared for us because we do not give thanks for daily gifts. We think that we should not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be seeking the great gifts. Then we complain that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experiences that God has given to other Christians, and we consider these complaints to be pious. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the small (and yet really not so small!) gifts we receive daily. How can God entrust great things to those who will not gratefully receive the little things from God's hand?

Biblical Wisdom

Isaiah 12:1-4…In that day you will sing:…"I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more.…Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me.I will trust in him and not be afraid.The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." … With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!…In that wonderful day you will sing:"Thank the Lord! Praise his name!…Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!

Questions to Ponder

What are the cultural forces in our society that work against the experience and expression of thankfulness?

What are the "small gifts" we receive from God each day?

How could such "small gifts" be affirmed, honoured, and celebrated in a community of faith?

Psalm Fragment

Psalm 103:1-5

Let all that I am praise the Lord…with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord…may I never forget the good things he does for me.He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.…He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's!

Journal Reflections

At the end of each remaining day in this 40-day journey, write in your journal a list of those things from that day for which you are grateful.

Reflect on how the "small gifts" you receive from God shape your life and your relationships.

Intercessions

Pray that you would be a voice of thanksgiving in your family, among your friends and co-workers, and in your community of faith. Pray that your voice of thanksgiving would encourage others to give voice to the many things for which they are thankful.

Prayer for Today

Lord, open my eyes that I may see the giftedness of my life and let my life be a hymn of praise and thanksgiving.