An Attitude Of Gratitude ...
That Last For a lifetime.
Another Thanksgiving Day is behind us friends. Was there anything that was impressed on you? Did you take time to reflect and count your blessings? for me the answer was yes to both questions. I spent the day with my wife and step-children, which turned out to be a revealing time by all accounts. Conversations were initiated that encouraged personal introspection and self-reflection combined with a healthy helping of merriment and joyfulness.
These ingredients all seemed to add a spicy mix to the sauce—each contributing to a very tasty Thanksgiving dinner that was sweetened with love. This meal was covered with a generous helping of gratitude as we each spoke of the people and things we were grateful for in our lives.
The Bible highlights the importance of a grateful heart with verses such as
”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” —Philippians 4:6
Every holiday season including Thanksgiving Day I am mindful of those who are going through a particular challenging time in their lives. Some are grieving for the recent loss of a loved one—or the loss of a loved one that occurred around this particular time of year. Consider also those who are struggling financially due to a job loss, and is unable to provide for their family.
Maybe you fall into one of those categories above—or for whatever reason you may not be feeling very thankful. We all have been there at some point in our lives—though we find it much easier to be grateful when things are going well. However, the biblical expectations are higher—much higher. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18.
How can we give thanks in all circumstances—through the good and the bad? that goes against the laws of nature. Our flesh is in direct opposition to such a lofty goal; which leaves us with the obvious question—Can this be done? Can we really be thankful in all circumstances?
It is certainly a worthy goal that is glorifying to God. It is one that we should strive toward, but it requires discipline—among other things. The Apostle Paul compares an athlete who trains diligently to win with the Christian walk in this way, “ … so we should train to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” —1 Timothy 4:7b-8.
It’s a work in progress for me—but a heart of gratitude is one that honors God. I would contend that we cannot fully experience the peace that God desires for us to experience—unless we are actively and intentionally desiring or seeking after an attitude of gratitude. The heart of gratitude is first grateful for the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross, and gratitude for the unconditional love demonstrated when he suffered and died a horrendously torturous death to provide a road to redemption for us all.
I encourage you to be intentional in cultivating an attitude of gratitude—one that will transcend the day that was assigned as a national of Thanksgiving—and will continue day after day for a lifetime. I have learned that our feelings should not always direct our actions. Instead we should subject our feelings to the will and Word of God. In time, our feelings will follow.
It is true that an attitude of gratitude does not change our circumstances—but it does change our perspective on our circumstances—which can turn circumstances into opportunities. A grateful heart truly does open up a whole new dimension of life, and brings joy to earthly parents—and our heavenly Father especially.
Grace, peace, and an attitude of gratitude to you all …
In His service