Is God Thankful For Me?
Does God ever think about what I've done for him? Hebrews 6 has some words of comfort.
Thanksgiving week is a time when we often list the many ways we're thankful for possessions, opportunities, and relationships. We're grateful for steady work, a roof above our heads, family to help us through the ups and downs, and...did someone say apple pie?
Like you, I've heard about every Thanksgiving Day sermon, article, or discussion on this topic. I'm sure I've given my share of them, and they go something like this.
- Point 1: We live in a highly commercialized, me-focused society.
- Point 2: We are increasingly becoming less grateful (insert some stat to back this up).
- Point 3: What if there was a better way? Like being more grateful...
- Point 4: Make a list of all the things you're grateful for this week and choose to live this way all year...until next year's exact same Thanksgiving message.
This is my spiritual gift of sarcasm kicking into gear.
It's not that any of these points is wrong. Far from it, and we need to be reminded of each. But this fall, my mind drifted to a different perspective as I asked myself this question: Is God thankful for me?
Here's How That Question Popped Into My Mind
Recently, I've started a new habit. As soon as I wake up, I go out to our garage and spend 21 minutes on my Bowflex Max Trainer (a cross between a stairclimber and an elliptical), listening to the Dwell Bible App.
It's been a wonderful rhythm to start the day, as it gets both my mind and heart in order. As I listen, I have a notes app open on my iPhone and will jot down any key thoughts that come to mind. A few weeks ago, I was listening to Hebrews 6, where the author says:
9 Even though we are speaking this way, dearly loved friends, in your case we are confident of things that are better and that pertain to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. 11 Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, 12 so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.
Keep in mind that the Book of Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish believers in Jesus who had already shown a long track record of genuine love, sacrifice, and service to other followers of Jesus.
They were faithful people who had endured hardship, supported fellow believers, and lived out their commitment in practical ways, yet they were growing discouraged and tempted to pull back.
As Donald Hagner clarifies, "This verse should not be taken to imply salvation by works. The point is not that God is obligated or that the readers have some claim upon him for their past performance, but simply that God looks upon them favorably and is eagerly willing to sustain them in their time of need."[1]
How God Views Us
This verse reminds us that the very same God who notices when a sparrow falls is the same one who notices you and me.
God is not “thankful” for humans in the way we feel gratitude, since thankfulness usually implies receiving something we needed. God needs nothing from anyone. Rather, God delights in his people, takes joy in their obedience, notices their acts of love, and responds with affection and approval.
This is even higher than gratitude.
While our love for God is naturally conditioned by our inherent need for him, God's love for us has no such constraints. He loves not because we are lovable, but as an overflow of his perfect love.
It's because of his deep love for us that nothing we do escapes his attention.
Here's Why This Should Be Encouraging
Sometimes it feels like we put in so much hard work and no one notices. Many of us spend countless hours working to support our families, serve our communities, and care for others.
We know we should be more grateful and we're told we should be more grateful, but we feel a bit maxed out.
If this is where you're at today, take heart. "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name." All of those daily actions you take, those ones no one else seems to appreciate, he sees as a love offering to him.
In case you've been tempted to forget, spend a few moments meditating on these verses:
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 — The eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him.
- Psalm 33:13 — The Lord looks down from heaven and observes everyone.
- Zephaniah 3:17 — The Lord your God is among you. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will delight in you with singing.
- Matthew 6:4 — Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
It bears repeating: God is not grateful for what you can do for him. Instead, he loves you with a far greater unconditional love. One who, as Matthew 6:4 says, sees what you do in secret and will reward you for your labor.
For some reason, I felt this was something you needed to be reminded of this week.
[1]Donald A. Hagner, Hebrews, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series. Accordance electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2011), 96.
