Just focus on what is important. Capture the good times developed from the negatives.
Welcome to a new month!
As the guest writer for this week, I'd like to share with you a post the Lord has laid on my heart.
All over the world, it is amazing to know that in the US, the month of November is unique because it is set aside to celebrate thanksgiving. For a lot of people, this is the time they celebrate God's goodness, protection and faithfulness in their lives. So, in line with all of this, please allow me to share with you a post I have titled: The importance of Gratitude.
Gratitude is another way of giving thanks. We should learn to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you [1 Thessalonians 5:18].
Today, it is very difficult for people to express or show gratitude for all that has been done for them. Perhaps, part of the reason for this is because of the times we are living in. This is confirmed in 2 Timothy 3:1-2 which states: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy."
However, God's desire for us is for us to have a heart full of gratitude, whether good or bad. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Paul also wrote in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Keeping the theme of gratitude in mind, let me share eight things about the importance of gratitude.
Gratitude glorifies God
Our gratitude glorifies God as we exalt not the gift, but the giver. It helps us realize all we have presently is not from us but from God.
2. Gratitude helps us see God
Gratitude opens up our spiritual life. There's a beautiful cycle in giving God thanks. That is, the more we thank Him [God], the more we see Him working in us and around us. Gratitude also helps us sense God's presence personal care and his perfect timing as in James 1:16-17 which states "Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
3. Gratitude puts us in the perfect will of God
We often make God's will out of some mystical plans, when it should be simple obedience to His word and will. Giving thanks to God should happen in every circumstance or season
4. Gratitude brings peace
As the song writer Johnson Oatman Jr. wrote, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one; and it will surprise what the Lord has done. Gratitude helps us see that God's hand is all over our circumstances; when we give God thanks, He gives us supernatural peace according to Isaiah 26:3 [Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee] and Philippians 4:6-7 [Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus]
5. Gratitude draws us to God
The magnitude of God's undeserved kindness draws us to Him. In Luke 17:17-19, we find Jesus walking by and then ten lepers cried out for healing. His response was for them to go and show themselves to the priest. As they went, they were healed. Fingers were restored, ulcers disappeared as full sensation returned to their faces and limbs. All ten were happy, but only one was thankful. He came back and fell at Jesus' feet, prompting Jesus to ask about the other nine.
6. Gratitude brings contentment
If we are not grateful for what we have or what God has given to us, getting more won't satisfy us either. Being grateful is the key to contentment. As the scripture states in 1 Timothy 6:6-8: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
7. Gratitude deepens faith
Keeping a record of God's past faithfulness is a faith boost when we face new difficulties. God's record of faithfulness is 100%; which is why He commanded Israel to remember His great deeds. Psalm 136:1 states: "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
8. Gratitude guards against envy
Envy make us want what someone else has. It causes us to not realize all that God has given us. A heart wholly grateful has no room left for envy as David wrote in Psalm 138:1 "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee." Psalm 37:1-2 and 4-7 states: "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
Conclusion
Developing a grateful heart brings incredible blessings and keep you in constant reminder of how consistent our God is. Remember a grateful heart will see and glorify God. It will put us in the perfect will of God which will bring us peace. Finally, a grateful heart will draw near to Go; stay content and have a deeper faith in God.
Quick Prayer
O Lord, forgive me for all the times I've been so unfaithful to be thankful for all the good things your have done in my life. Please help me to receive all the good gifts you have given me with thanksgiving and gratitude. You have loved me and have freed me from all my sins, by Jesus's blood. To you be glory and dominion forever. Amen.
Shalom
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