Introduction: Have you ever found yourself in a season when your sense of gratitude freezes over? Have you found yourself thanking God because the Bible says so but your heart is grieving? During these times perhaps, are opportunities for us to learn how to cultivate a habit of gratefulness, a labor of the soul that seeks God. Today we are looking to learn how to direct our attention to those things that draw us to God in appreciation for who He is and what He has done. God Bless you as we learn together in Jesus Name.
- Expressing Gratitude is a holy discipline independent of feelings. Sometimes when our hearts are cold our words can be sparks that kindle our gratitude. That’s why the Bible repeatedly commands us to thank Him (Eph. 5:19-20, Col. 3:17).
- Look for the hidden blessings. Do you sometimes we grumble that the gifts we have are different from the gifts we would have chosen for ourselves? Sometimes we fail to realize that not every gift we seek would be to our benefit Sometimes we must keep ourselves alert to the graces God gives subtly or indirectly. (Col. 4:2).
- Thank God especially in the midst of adversity. (1 Thess. 5:18.) God doesn’t ask us to be thankful for the sorrows that come our way, but He does want us to demonstrate trust in His care by thanking Him in spite of them.
- Turn your attention from your problems to God’s priorities in your life. Jesus gave the Father thanks for His last meal just hours before the horrible death He knew was waiting (Matt. 26:26). We may have to take a step back to see the big picture if we want to be grateful for what God is accomplishing in us.
- Give generously to those in need. :Giving can be a concrete expression of gratitude to God and it leads others to thank Him as well.(2 Cor. 9:12).
Summary
If we cultivate the discipline of thankfulness, we can overcome the temptation to turn our backs on the Lord in self-absorption. Instead, we’ll be sure to run toward the Lord, fall at His feet, and whisper often the words He delights to hear: Thank you.
