Last week I was doing some shopping in Walmart and noticed that they had already begun to set out Christmas decorations. I’ll confess, part of me wanted to , “It’s not even Halloween yet!” It seems like every year the commercialism sets in earlier and earlier for the frantic Christmas season. In the midst of it all, have you ever wondered, why don’t we start earlier in the year celebrating Thanksgiving? Part of me has always suspected that if we really took the time to be thankful for our blessings, the incessant demand for more would seem foolish. The tragedy is Scripture has much to say about this whole idea of gratitude.
A friend of mine, Bill Gaultiere, has compiled a great list of the benefits of gratitude and why it’s good for the soul. He reminds us
God is good always and forever so let’s thank him again and again and again!!!
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1,2,3).
Thanksgiving ushers us into God’s presence
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4).
Simple requests of God, gratitude, a positive attitude are antidotes for anxiety
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things” (Philippians 4:6-8).
Being grateful for God’s forgiveness will increase your capacity to love
“I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love” (Luke 7:47, NLT).
Offer thanks in all situations – especially in difficulties
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Even when it’s a sacrifice to thank God it can be joyful
“Let us then sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy” (Psalm 107:22).
So how can we begin to be thankful?
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude requires that we work at it. It’s not going to come naturally and yet it is one of the most freeing things in our hearts and lives. As Tami and I have sought to grow in these areas, here are a few things that we have found helpful.
1)Gratitude Journal- Everyday try to write down at least three ways that you saw God’s blessings in that day. I can’t tell you what a blessing this journal has been on those days when life seems to be falling apart at the seams! Going through the pages of where God has been faithful reminds us that just as He was faithful then, He is still taking care of us today! Part of the benefit of this habit is that it helps us learn to notice and see God’s blessing and His faithfulness in our lives.
2) Dinner time gratitude- Part of our families “grace” prayer is telling one another one way that we saw God’s hand today. It’s been so fun to watch as the kids get in on it. They remind us to be thankful for the leaves, one another, and sometimes even Chocolate Milk! As a family, how can we see and celebrate the goodness of God in our lives?
May the Lord continue to deepen our hearts of gratitude. Gratitude is vital for a healthy and deepening relationship with Jesus. May He prepare our hearts as we come into this holiday season and may we more clearly see the goodness of His love.