“The ‘Deeper Things.’”

Don’t stop me if you’ve heard this one; it may lead you to an unexpected conclusion.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). This a familiar and simple truth that we can never be reminded of too frequently. Because, given the abundant references to it in the Scriptures, it is clearly something the Lord wants us to remember and practice. Therefore, to me, it is the wisest first move we can make as we begin our day and the most practical “pick-me-up” for our faith throughout it.

We “mature” Christians are notorious for seeking the deeper truths of the faith, which isn’t a bad thing until “deeper” translates into “more important.” For example, knowing how our blood travels through the body is not more important than the act of managing our blood pressure. In the same way, knowing the “deeper things” of the Scriptures is not more important to God than our giving Him thanks. And for pretty much the same reason as managing our blood pressure; it is good for us.

Yes, giving thanks – and more broadly, worship – gives God the glory He is due, but it also tunes up and lubricates our faith by enhancing our awareness of God’s active work in our lives. We remember He is with us, that He is good, and that He is faithful. That changes our perspective. Then our hearts become more hopeful and joyful, which in turn makes our love for others flow more freely. And the initiation of that wonderful process, makes the “simple” thing of giving thanks a laureate of “deeper things.”