Gratitude

How often do we choose gratitude over grumbling?

I'll be the first to say that when things don't go my way or something bothers me, I tend to react on my emotions in the moment. I don't really stop and think about how I can choose a different response.

It seems to be second nature to us...that we allow the negative to outweigh the positive. But as Christians, this should not be; we have a hope that far outweighs anything else in life (2 Corinthians 4:17), found in Jesus Christ! And I believe looking to Him with thankful hearts is the first step to cultivating a life of gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are to be "imitators of God, as beloved children" and to "walk in love, just as Christ also loved" and "gave Himself up for us (Ephesians 5:1-2)." The passage continues with what we should avoid: immorality, impurity, greed, filthiness, coarse speech; and instead there is to be "giving of thanks (Ephesians 5:3-4)."

The Bible is filled with verses that speak to thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 says "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." Look to the Psalms and you will find endless passages that are filled with thankfulness and praise to the Lord (Psalm 26:6-7; 147:7; 69:30; 95:2; 100:4; 107:1; 30:4; 140:13; 118:21; 9:1; 106:1; 92:1; 109:30). The verses I've indicated are just a few in comparison to how much more are contained within the pages of Scripture! Meditating on some of these verses can be the starting point for a renewed attitude. Search the Word of God and you will find the riches within are more than enough to kindle a heart of thanksgiving (Ephesians 2:4-7; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 1:3-14).

What are the things that we have to be thankful for? I'm sure the list would go on and on if we each took the time to pause and reflect on all that God has given us, beginning with the most precious gift of His Son (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15). He is able to work in our hearts and our minds, and renew a right spirit within us (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:21-24; Psalm 51:10). The joy of the Lord is our strength (John 15:11; Philippians 4:4; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 84:2; Jeremiah 15:16; Proverbs 17:22)! In our weaknesses, He is unceasingly able to sustain us (Psalm 73:26; Isaiah 12:2; Psalm 16:11).

Today, let's be intentional to remember all the good things God has given, and how He's worked through difficult situations for our good (Romans 8:28). Even in the hard times, He is still worthy of our praise (Habakkuk 3:17-18), always. "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2)." I'm so thankful God has given us His Word to live by and the gospel of Jesus Christ to cling to so that gratitude can reign over the negativity that attempts to bring us down. We already have the victory in Christ so let's continue to remain steadfast, "immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)." Thanks be to God for this powerful truth!