The world is a very transactional place. And that is just the way the devil likes it. He originally fooled Adam and Eve into believing that God had ulterior motives for His generosity and that He was keeping something from them that they deserved.

The truth of course was much simpler, much more beautiful, and must less transactional. God created humans because He wanted a place to deposit all this love He had to give.

God provides everything for His creation. In return He asks only for our willingness to gratefully accept it. That is the full extent of the transaction.

“My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits.” (Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭2,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God gives life — eternal life in fact — and an endless supply of love, light, peace, joy, wisdom, beauty, and forgiveness. And we pay nothing. What a deal!

Instead of a payment, I provide a response. As I contemplate God — who He is, all He has done, and all He is capable of doing — a passionate reaction of praise and worship bubbles up from my innermost being. Bless the Lord, oh my soul!

Dear God, thank you for all your many benefits! Help me to shake off the negativity, apathy, skepticism, and absentmindedness that this transactional world fosters so I can properly appreciate your true nature and the priceless gift of your pure love.