This may seem like a strange title. If we mention gratitude most would immediately say they were thankful for something. It may be family members, friends, but for the Christian, the standard answer would be their salvation. Sounds good, right? It does sound good, but how much gratitude is actually expressed? I find it is easy to say the words, but sincere gratitude will be backed up with actions. Actions that speak louder than our words. Finding your gratitude takes a conscious effort.
When we are in the midst of the storm, it is important that we remind ourselves to look for things for which we can be grateful. It is so easy to allow the troubles of life to cloud our view of the big picture. When our view is clouded, it is hard to see God working things out for our good. However, at this point, we need to use our head knowledge to push us forward. In Romans 8:28, Paul reminds us that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Many use this verse without realizing what “the good” is talking about. It doesn’t mean that if we are having financial problems, God will provide riches. He’s not standing ready to bail us out of the financial difficulties that we got into because of our sin of greed. To get the full meaning of the verse, we need to look at the next verse. Verse 29 teaches us that He is trying to mold us into the image of Jesus. We, as Christians, are to be like Jesus!
Romans 8:28-29 “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. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
When we look at our circumstances, it is easy to get discouraged. When we look at others who are doing well in life, when we seem to be struggling, we tend to become inward-focused and dwell on the negative side of life. God never wants us to compare ourselves to others as a gauge for His blessings. It is hard to show gratitude when we enter the comparison game. This type of thinking is so wrong. It puts us at the center of everything instead of God. When deciding to become a person of gratitude, we must remember that everything we have is undeserved. All good things are a gift from God. If we get what we deserve, we get hell.
When you feel things are not going your way and ingratitude sets in, stop, evaluate your life, and see how God has blessed you. Do you hate your job? Be grateful you have a job. Is your family out of order and dysfunctional? Be grateful you have a family. What about a roof over your head, food to eat, your health, a God who loves you enough to send His Son to die for you, and a relationship with God who is preparing a place for you for all eternity. There is always something to be thankful for. Each day is a gift that we get to open, and we could enter it with gratitude if we chose to.
In I Thessalonians 5:18, Paul is teaching us that whatever our circumstances may be, we are to give thanks. I think one of the keys to having this attitude at all times is to obey the verses that are mentioned just before this one. In verse 14, he challenges them to admonish those who are in the church and living contrary to biblical teachings. We are to be busy comforting those who are disheartened, to support those who are weak, both physically and spiritually. We are to be patient with others. We are not to return evil to one who has been mean or unloving to us. He tells us to rejoice always and stay in a prayerful state of mind. Always acknowledging that we are in the presence of God. When we discipline ourselves to live this way, it is easy to find gratitude. It is not things that cause us to be thankful; it is our perspective and attitude toward God.
I Thessalonians 5:14 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
It is time we practiced for eternity. When we get to Heaven, a huge part of our praise will be showing our gratitude for what God has done. I can’t imagine ever thanking Him enough. I love Revelation 11:16-17 where the elders, who are representatives of the church are prostrate, a position of supreme adoration, before God thanking Him. What an awesome picture of gratitude that would do us well to start practicing while here. We need to thank God in every circumstance. In the good times and in the bad. In times of health and sickness, in sorrow or joy, in wealth or poverty, in every aspect of life. If you will start your day praying and thanking Him and praising Him, it will make your wants less as you appreciate what you already have. When you purpose to live this way, you will find your gratitude!
Revelation 11:16-17 “And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.”
