“What have you done for me lately?” Maybe that question has crossed your mind (or lips) recently. It’s in our DNA to object when someone wants something for nothing. Why should we expend effort, time, or money on someone who has nothing to offer us?

Maybe you feel like that about God. Maybe you are out of a job, out of love, out of money, out of options. “What has God done for me lately,” you wonder. “Why should I pray/worship/offer my time or talents when I get so little out of the bargain?”

 It’s true—you may be having a tough week, or year, or life. You might feel forgotten by God. Nevertheless, such a view of your relationship with God is shortsighted. It’s not too different from a kid denied in a Dollar Store who hollers, “You never buy me anything!”

This Thanksgiving, let’s remember exactly what God has bought for us with the blood of his Son—not just anything, but everything that matters: Pardon from sin and release from guilt. Peace with God and a home in heaven. We come empty-handed to this banquet of blessings. No marshmallow-topped side dish of good works can earn us a place at this buffet. We have nothing to offer God in exchange, yet “the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).

 So go ahead. Bring your hungry heart to God and ask, “What have you done for me lately?” Then prepare to be filled . . . with joy.