Love is Grateful

Scripture: Ruth 2:10-13

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”  Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.  “May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”  Then she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”

Insights:  My final thought this week deals with gratitude.  Notice how Ruth responds to Boaz for his kindness and provision.  She fell on her face and bowed to the ground.  She has physically demonstrated her appreciation for the love Boaz has extended to her.  When I read of such authentic displays of gratitude it forces me to evaluate my own life.  I fear all too often I say prayers of platitude to the Lord without much sincerity.  In other words, I know I ought to say grace before a meal so I pray and thank God for His provision.  Is this prayer of mine just a prayer or am I honestly seeking the Lord and giving Him true expressions of gratitude.  If I am honest with myself I think I fall into the category of taking God’s blessings for granted.  I mean, He always takes care of me, why ought I to expect something different.  Yet, He does not promise to make my life here on earth all roses without thorns and cake for dessert.  As a result, when He does extend His hand of mercy to me I ought to be extremely grateful and overly expressive of my love for His kindness.  Let me challenge you, Beloved, especially as Christmas approaches, to take an inventory of your life.  After thinking about your life, give the Lord honest and sincere gratitude for His loving kindness.  It will bless your heart to love Him in this fashion and He will be brought glory.  Thank Him today.  Thank Him right now!

Questions:

1.  Are you grateful for the Lord’s provision?

2.  In what ways do you demonstrate your gratitude to Him?

Prayer: Father, thank You is not enough.  May my life be spent serving You to the point all see You and You are brought glory.  Amen.