I will give thanks to you with all my heart, O Lord my God. I will honor you forever because your mercy toward me is great. ~Psalm 86:12-13 (GW)
The benefits of being grateful are endless. Studies show being thankful improves both our physical and emotional health. Just like we can freely choose to hold on to feelings of bitterness or anger, we can also choose to hold on to feelings of thankfulness. But even though the benefits are great, gratitude doesn’t always come naturally to us. Thankfulness needs to be cultivated, especially when we are struggling with trials and difficulties in our lives. Although it sounds crazy to thank God when you aren't even able to pay your bills or when you are having pain in your body, the truth is that it’s not just a good idea, it is a command. God knows being thankful is the catalyst that changes the direction of our lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are told “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (NLT) So if it’s God will for us to be grateful and research has proven that feelings of thankfulness will boost our immune system and increases blood supply to our heart which helps us to be more alert, enthusiastic and energized…why aren’t we doing it all the time?
It takes a humble person to be thankful. We must readily acknowledge that our abilities, achievements and even the people we are blessed to know and love have come from someone greater than ourselves. They come from God! Our thankful heart will make a difference in the world around us, but a prideful heart only promotes itself. The Lord tells us in James 4:6 and again in 1 Peter 5:5 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (NLT) I would much rather be promoted by the Lord than to try to promote myself. Scripture teaches us that it is by grace that we are saved, it is by grace that we are successful, and it is by grace that we can bring healing and deliverance to the lost and hurting people around us. We need God’s grace in all circumstances to be thankful so it’s time we lay aside our pride. Otherwise, we are setting ourselves in direct opposition to God. What has the Lord told you to do? How does He expect you to act towards those who oppose you? If you are a born-again believer, then you should know what the Spirit of God is impressing upon your heart. Stop resisting Him and start thanking Him. God is worthy of our praise and our thankfulness will be an example to those around us. Who is watching you? Is it your spouse that you would encourage by being more grateful? How about your children or your coworkers? Gratitude begets gratitude. Being grateful for someone or something not only promotes peace, but it also promotes more of the same. Be grateful for what you have and where you are today, and you will have the propensity to be grateful for what you have and where you are tomorrow. In other words, complain and remain or praise and be raised. What keeps you from being thankful 24/7? Change your mind and you will change your ways. Practice being grateful to everyone around you and hold yourself accountable to express your appreciation by saying it. You would be surprised at the difference it makes in your relationships when you tell the people in your life just how thankful you are for them and everything they do.
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ~Philippians 1:3 (NLT)
What keeps you from being thankful 24/7? Can you cultivate praise to God for all He has already done?
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