Gratitude
Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Is it possible to maintain our thankfulness and gratitude in the midst’s of adversity? Such as sickness, sorrow, shame, unprovoked attacks, disappointment, regret and failure? I believe it can happen when we set our hearts and minds on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
In all our circumstances I believe God is at work behind the scenes. We can rest assured that he is working things out for our good and for that we can be grateful and thankful.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We must place our faith and confidence in Jesus. Despite the fact that we cannot see it, trust that he is making a way! Our gratitude and thankfulness come from realizing this truth.
When we can reflect on and be grateful for all Jesus has carried us through in the past, such as an answered prayer, a prodigal coming home, miraculous healing, provision, protection and much more, we are reminded of who God is, and if we focus on the things he has done and all the promises he has come through on, we should remain thankful and grateful.
We have to choose to be grateful and thankful and put it on like an article of clothing, especially when we don’t feel like it. We need to change the way we feel by thanking God for the breath in our lungs, the fact that we woke up to live (or fight) another day; it might not be our best day, but it’s up to us to decide how we feel about it. YES, it’s hard. YES, it stinks. YES, it hurts, but never forget, we are not alone, Jesus is walking beside us. Thank God, we are not alone!
We mustn’t allow our disappointments to make us bitter and angry; remember that 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV instructs us to: ‘give thanks in ALL circumstances’, not only the good, likable, and happy ones also the bad, unlikable and sorrowful ones too. I sincerely believe having a deeply rooted relationship with Jesus saves us from negative emotions, harmful attitudes and painful seasons, that all rob us of our peace.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
When we keep resentment and anger at bay, we can be joyful and appreciative. Bitterness and resentment cannot coexist with joyful, thankful hearts, just as darkness cannot exist in the light. While we find it hard to be grateful for the difficult times, we should always be grateful that he gives us the strength to endure them.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James, 1:12
Whatever you are going through right now, ask God to help you remember all the times he has come through for you, and thank him for it!
I have to laugh when I read about Jesus saving the disciples from a second storm after already calming one a few chapters before. Not because I'm judging them, but because I know we're all the same. Unfortunately, when we face another storm, we quickly forget what Jesus did a few chapters ago in our own lives. Let us decide to put an end to that way of thinking right now. Let’s be thankful and grateful for all the blessings in our lives and send up a shout of praise and appreciation to God for moving in our lives, for his provision, protection, and grace, and for his breath in our lungs that enables us to shout those praises!
God, we thank and praise you for every blessing in our lives. Please forgive us for having forgotten how many times you have moved mountains and calmed storms on our behalf. We're confident because you've done it before; you'll do it again for us. We shall keep our eyes firmly fixed on you. Amen.