Romans 1:20-22 (NLT)
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.”
As long as the world has been the world, we’ve all had an opportunity to see and know God. When we sit by the ocean, see a beautiful sunset, or walk quietly in the woods, we experience the presence of God whether we know him or not. If we look for answers, God will give them to us. Those who do not seek God have no excuse — we all have the same opportunity to know him.
Some know God but even still refuse to worship him or give him thanks. When we fall into the trap of taking God for granted, we begin to slowly slip away from the truth. We make up foolish ideas about God that have nothing to do with him. Certainly this ignorant thinking is prevalent in our world.
The natural reaction to the experience of God’s character is thankfulness. When we express this, we stay connected to the truth of who he is. Without thankfulness, we become bitter, resentful, impatient, and discontent. All of these states of mind create distortions that in the end rob us from knowing the real God. What distortions might you have when you think about God that could be healed through a practice of gratitude?