Gratitude

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16

Gratitude is like a password we use to enter into the presence of God. When we choose to give thanks to the Lord, we build a habit pattern. If we consciously and consistently choose to express gratitude in ordinary situations, it becomes easier io thank God for the difficult, painful and even traumatic times, simply because he is always in it with us.

When we express our gratitude in hard places of life, we focus our attention on our Heavenly Father.  In Romans 8:28 Paul reminds us this: “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.”

Interacting deeply with the Lord about a specific gratitude experience deepens our intimacy with him. Sharing with others our experiences creates a double benefit. None of us ever outgrows our need to keep growing.  Growth was never intended to be one time event, but rather meant to be ongoing in our daily lives. This enables us all to be grateful and adds the joy of the Lord in our lives.

Witnessing a sunrise can have a profound effect on our well-being.  It is a precious moment of solitude, giving the opportunity for self examination and reflection.  It can be a time of connection with our Creator, God and a reminder of the beauty and grandeur that surrounds us. Lamentations 3: 22-23 reminds us that “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” This opens the door of hope for a new beginning to express our gratitude. The Fall season has a way of reminding us of God’s presence and transformation.

Pray: Your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely.

Reflect:

What are some recent events, people, or ongoing situations for which you are especially grateful for?

Regular journaling can provide a way to record and boost our gratitude to God.