Gratitude
“I’ve nothing else fit for a King, Except for a heart singing hallelujah” (Gratitude, Brandon Lake). These are such powerful words, and when you strip away the melody, the instruments, and the voice it captures how our praises are loved by our God. Even though we have nothing worthy to give to our Heavenly Father, He delights in hearing our gratitude.
Do you show God your gratitude? Do you practice having a thankful heart?
Why showing gratitude and being thankful is important as a Christian
What sets Christians apart from non-Christians is how one lives and acts according to the bible. God calls us to have thankful hearts in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, when He says to give thanks in all circumstances. Negativity in today’s society is not uncommon. Watching the news and filling up with harsh, disturbing, and upsetting stories can affect one’s ability to see what is good. It is possible to become so focused on the wrong and the bad, that the good is forgotten. Comparison is a thief of joy and thankfulness as well. Whether it’s money, gifts/talents, opportunities, or jobs, that we compare ourselves to, it will ultimately steal our joy. It robs us from the ability to be truly thankful.
Being thankful and showing God our gratitude helps us to keep a heavenly perspective. God reminds us to keep this perspective in Hebrews 12:28, when He says, “since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” God is calling us to be thankful because He has already won the victory for us! We already belong to a kingdom that cannot be moved, to a father who loves us infinitely and unconditionally. God doesn’t need us to have the best job or the best grades in our class. All He asks for, is us. So, ask yourself…what are you waiting on to be thankful for?
Not only does showing God gratitude and thankfulness help individuals keep a heavenly perspective, but it is something that is contagious. Gratitude is greater than the feeling of thankfulness. People are observant and take notice of differences, so even on the worst days, if we are able to be thankful and act as such, people will take notice. They will see something different. Strangers will want to know your story, and why you have joy and a thankful heart. Our thankfulness is so much deeper when we begin to live accordingly, it moves to gratitude. This is showing God how thankful we are for all that He has done in our lives.
What does a thankful person look like and how does one show God gratitude?
One of the best ways we can demonstrate being thankful in my opinion, is by our attitude. When the decision is made to begin being grateful for everything and put an end to comparison, hearts change. Once hearts change everything follows! It is like building a structure, having a strong foundation will positively affect the entire piece. God sees what we do and our outward actions, but it is important to remember that He also sees our hearts. When a conscious effort to be thankful is made, God sees it. Family, friends, co-workers, etc., will see our changed demeanor. They might see our ability to choose joy and contentment and our genuine happiness for others. In this world, that is a powerful thing!
God calls us to devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). One of the best ways to begin our journey to thankfulness and pure gratitude is through prayer. Tell God what you’re thankful for in each part of your day. I bet you will begin to realize all the amazing things God has created and does for you every day! Praise. Praise God. This is one of the most powerful and significant ways gratitude can be expressed towards God. The Almighty God chose YOU…yes, YOU! Start there and express your gratitude to God for Him making you a child of his Kingdom.
Instead of focusing on thankfulness during a specific season or holiday, try focusing on a thankful heart all year long. There is already so much to thank God for all year round-every second of every minute of every day.
So friend, what are you thankful for at this very moment that you are reading this?
-Ashlyn