Yes, ’tis the season to “turn back” and lift up a grateful heart to God for all He has done in our lives. It’s a choice. I choose today to halt and take these morning moments to “turn back” and be purposefully thankful.
One leper, a Samaritan, almost moved on too quickly after the miracle of healing, but something within urged him to stop and turn around. That “turning back” with an attitude of gratitude turned into a marvelous encounter with Jesus! Without doubt that encounter branded that man’s heart.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
Luke 17:15-16
The king of Babylon’s dream, which Daniel interpreted, was that successful man’s call to “turn back” and give thanks to God for his success, but a year’s time shoved that king past the moment of thankfulness resulting in a phenomenally devastating complete mental breakdown! Yet, the very moment this king “turned back” and lifted his eyes and heart in thankful acknowledgement of who the God of Heaven is and all He had done, his mind (and body!) was miraculously restored:
“And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him that lives forever…. At the same time my reason returned to me…. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those that walk in pride He is able to put down.”
Daniel 4:34-37
Paul clearly defines what happens if we do not take time to be thankful:
“Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Romans 1:21 NKJV
Lesson learned. Today I choose to “turn back” to offer my Heavenly Father a thankful heart!
