Gratitude Series Episode 2

Hello, my walking friend! Have you started on your walk? Are you looking around at all that God has created? I hope so, because today we are going to be spending some time thanking Jesus for all that he as created! So, take a deep breath and clear your mind of everything but Jesus! 

Today is the 2nd episode in the gratitude series and we will be thanking Jesus for creation. 

Our first verse to meditate on is Job 12:7-10:

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, 
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

Isn’t God’s creation amazing? And aren’t we blessed, wherever we are in the world, to be able to enjoy it all? Remember that Jesus was there at creation and that all things came into being through him, and apart from him nothing came into being that has come into being. Every plant you see, every animal you encounter, every human being you know and the ones you don’t – it all exists because of Jesus. 

And we are called to be good stewards of his creation, just as Adam and Eve were called to take care of the Garden of Eden. But we should not worship creation, it is Jesus we should be worship. Sadly, instead of worshipping Jesus, many people in the world today worship his creation. How that must break his heart because part of the purpose of his creation is to point his image bearers back to him. As we thank Jesus today for his creation, let’s allo say a prayer that unbelievers will be drawn to him because of the majesty of the heavens and earth that declare his glory. 

Today’s second verse is 1 Timothy 4:4-5:

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

As you continue to walk, consider all that Jesus has created, look around and see the goodness of God in his creation and spend a little time meditating on today’s verses. 

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on these two verses? Did you see anything in particular that made you smile or filled your heart with gratitude?

Let’s consider the very first book and the very first chapter in the Bible, Genesis 1. In the beginning, God created:

On day one, light.
On day two, the sky.
On day three, dry land, seas, plants, trees.
On day four, the sun, moon, and stars.
On day five, the creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly.
On day six, animals that live on the land, and finally, humans that were created in God’s image.
And on day seven, God finished his work, rested, and made the seventh day a special and holy day.

Take some time to thank Jesus for all that he has created and thank him for giving us the example of rest so that we can pause in our busy lives and worship the creator of all things. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus, 

Thank you for the beauty that surrounds me. The work of your hands is marvelous! Thank you for the night sky filled with twinkling stars. Thank you for the vast array of colors in plant life. Thank you for the complexity of the natural laws and life. Thank you for the preciousness of a newborn baby. Thank you for all that you have made for me to enjoy. But most of all, thank you for revealing yourself to me in all your glorious works and ways. How you did it is incomprehensible to me, but I know why you did it – because you love me and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Jesus, for always walking with me. Amen. 

Here are some questions for you to consider.

In what ways has Jesus revealed himself to you through his creation? Take some time to think of them now.

Why do you think some people can embrace, and even worship, the creation but reject the one who created it? Take some time to consider that now and also to pray for unbelievers.

Today’s prayer thanked Jesus for many aspects of his creation. Take time now to continue thanking Jesus for his creation. 

Before we wrap up, consider today’s verses:

Job 12:7-10

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, 
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

And 1 Timothy 4:4-5

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to and thank Jesus now.

Well, you did it! 10 minutes of walking! I hope that as you go about your day, you will continue to appreciate all of God’s creation, including yourself! I know I am thankful for you! 

And I am thankful you took the time to walk with me! But more importantly, you walked with Jesus and you spent time thanking him and you will be blessed for cultivating a heart of gratitude! For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. The November edition focuses on gratitude and is a part of this podcast series. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will be thanking Jesus for his promises. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.