1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

Please pray, asking God for understanding, and look up the scriptures provided.

Spirit of Gratitude

Feeling Discouraged? Can a simple change of attitude really lead to happiness? It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But, what if you are facing the end of a cherished relationship, death of a loved one, overcoming an illness or maybe facing the end of your faith, (confusing and conflicting voices in the world tempting you to question, even abandon, what you once knew to be true.) What if we set aside the cup of bitterness (let it not seep into our words), and lift instead the chalice of gratitude, we can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding. Yes, we are going to have trials (sometimes it may be very hard), but don’t think of the things you didn’t get after praying; think of the countless blessings God gave you without asking. As Disciples of Christ, we are commanded to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things,” to “sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving,” and to “let [our] heart be full of thanks unto God.” Remember when Paul and Silas were beaten then put in prison, they started praying and singing hymns to God. Acts 16:16-34.

Often times our grief is caused by what seems to be in our mind as an ending, the end of Hope. It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, instead of being thankful for good things, we focus on being thankful in all our circumstances—whatever they may be (You are not alone). It may not be easy at times, continuous river of tears flowing, the pain in our heart unbearable, but “the Lord catches every tear that falls to the ground” for God is intimately aware of our suffering and records our sorrows. Psalm 56:8 “You have kept count of my tossing and put my tears in your bottle,..” By the life of Jesus, who lives in us, we can receive strength and courage to face our circumstances, ‘for I can do all things through Christ’ (Philippians 4:13). Jesus is our Living Hope, and His promise is “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Jesus Christ set us an example of giving thanks and having gratitude throughout the gospels (Matthew 15:36, 26:27; Mark 8:6, 14:23; Luke 22:17, 19; John 6:11, 23). The Apostle Paul admonishes or urge all of us to give thanks always for all things (Ephesians 5:20); and having an spiritually attitude of gratitude as a central part of our every request of God: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7). Does the Apostle Paul tell us to smile at everything that is wrong with our world or in our lives? Not at all! While we sigh and cry about our suffering, we can still rejoice in the Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Apostle Peter also wrote “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20). Scripture reminds us, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12–13). Our suffering should remind us of Christ’s far greater suffering, because of which we will soon be able to experience an eternity of joy! Don’t let frustration erode our faith.

If God has opened your mind to His truth, then you too should want to feel and express gratitude. A ‘grateful heart’ was demonstrated in the Apostle Paul when he was in negative circumstances (beatings with rods, imprisonment, stoned, shipwrecks, dangers from rivers and bandits, hunger, thirst, cold, and exposure, as well as emotional pressures from his concerns for the churches and threats from false believers and those who opposed his teachings), yet his resilience and faith in God during those challenging times are a testament to his enduring spirit and the power of faith in overcoming adversity, for he understood that Jesus Christ was responsible for his gain (2 Corinthians 5:17–19). Not only is a thankful attitude pleasing to those around us; it is pleasing to God, who admonishes us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Practicing thankfulness starts with acknowledging God as the Creator and Provider of all good things, for we can rest in His promises, knowing that He will indeed make a way, no matter how difficult or unnerving [losing courage or confidence] our circumstances may seem. He said in Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Paul states, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

The book of Colossians teaches us to focus our minds on and how we should treat other human beings. This helps us to avoid negative attitudes and cultivate a positive and thankful outlook which can lead to a peaceful state of mind. Thankfulness is a trait that God wants us all to develop, and when we make the choice to be thankful we are happier and healthier, let us [try] to focus on being thankful. We can choose to be like Job, who seemed to have had everything but then lost it all. Yet Job responded by saying, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return … : the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Yes, Job was hurt, but it is very important to know that even when we cannot see how turning to God’s way is going to work, we must trust Him and put our priorities fully into His hands. When we learn to obey in faith, He always opens the doors and He always provides a way (Proverbs 3:5–6)! We can have full trust and faith that His ways are better than our ways and He will hold us up and provide all our needs! If you are faced with a seemingly unsolvable problem, you can turn to God with your whole heart and He will reveal the solution [in His time]! When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In cold of bitter sorrow, grief or pain, (even with tears) we can still lift up our hearts in praise and glory in Jesus Christ the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.

We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved but much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain. Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances, but through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges, not only to have a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a fragrance of gratitude that heals the heart and flourishes the mind.

There are many nations that may be experiencing harsh circumstances but God hears the cries of His people, and all nations can experience true blessings when ‘led’ into obeying and accepting the truth of God’s Word [as written in the Bible]. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32). What is that truth? God’s Word is Truth! God’s truth can reveal the confusion or doubt regarding the implications of Jesus’ teachings. The truth Jesus taught was the central to His identity as the Son of God and the embodiment of truth itself. Jesus came into the world to reveal the truth about God’s Love and humanity.

As the end of the age draws near, [according to prophecy] humanity continues to have no fear of God and His power, is going to slide into complete rebellion against God, and that slide starts with an mental state of ingratitude [a lack of appreciation or gratitude for what one has received —God’s Blessings]. Practicing thankfulness not only helps us appreciate the blessings we have been given but also keeps us humble. Thankfulness gives us mental clarity so we can recognize our complete dependence on God, helping us avoid spiritual blindness. God does want us to be happy, and we have reasons to have hope; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This is something for which to truly be thankful—and you can learn more about it, and the many other things the Bible teaches about the power of gratitude, if you have the heart to look. As written in Psalm 119:103: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Have we tasted the good word of God today?

In Colossians 4:2, we are directed to be vigilant in our prayers with thanksgiving. Gratitude involves getting our minds off of ourselves and focusing on others—and ultimately on God. Has God opened your mind to His truth, thus allowing you to feel and express gratitude, just as the Apostle Paul understood to whom his gratitude was owed: “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:25 One of the prime dangers for us today is getting so busy that we lose our spiritual focus, causing loss of spiritual growth! You see, God is our “Heavenly Father,” and He wants to hear from us, through the good and bad times, to encourage and to lift us up. He wants us to talk to Him like we do with family members or friends! Do we take a few seconds just to say, ‘I love you Heavenly Father and Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ?  Or have we become to busy for God!

 May we all be filled with and deepen our thankfulness—thankful for God’s will and for the love of God and Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Have faith! Be courageous! Be righteous! Show God your faith by your actions (James 2:22)! Live now as Jesus instructs (Luke 6:46)! If we live righteously, have hope in his mercy (Psalm 33:18)! If we live righteously, God promises to provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33)! Learn now to walk and to live righteously and humbly before your God and your Creator! Let us not forget the blessings we have received through Jesus Christ—and God being the source of those blessings! Let’s make this our daily thanks.

Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Revelation 7:12