“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Yesterday, we started talking about what Paul has to say about gratitude. Specifically, we talked about how to be habitually thankful. So today, I want us to look at two more ways we can practice gratitude in a way that honors the Lord and brings peace and comfort to our lives.
In addition to being habitually thankful, the second thing we should do is be happily thankful. I’ve learned that anything that God commands me to do is always for my best and for my benefit. A grateful person will be a happier person. A grateful person will be a holier person. A grateful person will be a healthier person.
You may not always feel thankful, but you should work harder to think about saying “Thank you.” It is better to say, “Thank you” and not really mean it, than to mean it and not really say it. Being grateful will have a positive effect on you because happiness and joy follow gratitude. So we need to be happily thankful.
Finally, the third thing we should do is be humbly thankful. I don’t know what you are going through right now, what burdens you may be bearing, or what trouble you might be in. If you are completely ungrateful and there is not an ounce of gratitude in your heart, even in the midst of your circumstances, you are out of the will of God.
Now, be encouraged. When Paul says this is the will of God, he is not only saying this is what God desires for you to do, but it is what God enables you to do. God never commands us to do anything He does not give us the power to do. I know I can give thanks in all things because it is God’s will, and what God wants me to do and wills me to do, He enables me to do. So it’s important that we harness that power He gives us with humility in order to practice gratitude for what God is doing in our lives.
Remember, God’s will for you is always what is best for you. An attitude of gratitude will change your life. It will shield you from cynicism. It will keep you from criticism. It will protect you from pessimism. It will draw you close to God and will draw God close to you. If you have a heart for God, you will have a grateful heart.
Dear Lord, I know your will is what’s best for me. But I also know that I can’t always see how that is the case. So I pray that you would help me to be happily grateful and humbly grateful for all that you’re doing and all the ways you’re working in my life. Help me to trust that you know what you’re doing and that you have an amazing plan for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Topics: Thankful
