"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Life is challenging for many of us during this season. The pandemic, loss of jobs, health challenges, homeschooling and unable to be with loved ones in their time of need, has resulted in uncertainty, stress, broken hearts, and heavy spirits. When chaos abounds, you may find yourself challenged by or complacent with what God's faithfulness looks like in good times and in bad. If we are only grateful during good times, our response hinges on God's gifts to us, and our gratitude becomes conditional and fragile. I found myself in this space and sought God for answers. God taught me three lessons in my quest.
Lesson One: Maintaining an attitude of gratitude is something we need to be intentional. Gratitude is not merely being thankful. We must maintain a posture to receive from God. It is not always easy, and it is never passive. It means actively unclenching and opening our hearts, hands, and our lives, not just when God wants to bless us in good times, but even when he gives us trials. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to “be thankful in all circumstances.”
Lesson Two: My expressions of gratitude are not all about me. We might think that we are grateful to God for what He has done for us, but if we never work to serve others, then we must question the authenticity of our thankfulness. James 2:14–26 and other passages make it clear that Christian virtues are not mere inward thoughts and feelings but are expressed in concrete acts of love and service. Let us demonstrate how thankful we are to God by doing good to others.
Lesson Three: Gratitude is the pure, appropriate response to the saving and keeping grace of God. If God never does another tangible thing for us in life, He’s already done enough by sacrificing His son for us.
It is too easy to focus on all the adverse events that are going on in this world and your life. In times like this, it can become challenging to offer expressions of praise and thanks. We must be intentional in choosing an attitude of gratitude. Remember, we have so much to be grateful for in this life even amid hardship and pressures. God has done and continues to do in our lives.
When we choose to pause, give thanks and serve others, God’s presence and blessing become more visible and will make a lasting difference in our lives. The Apostle Paul reminds us that God’s plans for us are good, and He is working all things together for our good. Because of this, we can choose an attitude of gratitude.
Reflection
Take time on your posture of gratitude. Is it contingent on what God is doing in the moment? When was the last time you were in service to others? How did it make you feel?
Prayer
God even during the challenging times in life, let me not lose sight of your rich blessings. Let me not lose sight of serving others. Let me not lose sight of the fact that you’ve given me the greatest gift I could ever ask for, the gift of eternal life. Amen.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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