“Give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1st Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
I’m sure we’ve heard the saying ‘Life is a rollercoaster’. And sure, while we can compare the two, since they both have ups and downs, life is more than what a rollercoaster offers. You can look at a roller coaster and predict at which point you’ll be going under, and when you’ll be touching the sky. With life, you rarely ever see when you’ll be with the sky or in the ocean. So, often when we find ourselves in the ocean, we tend to forget that even though we cannot predict what’s next, our heavenly Father already knows how our story ends.
Gratitude is an attitude that transforms how we see life. Paul instructs to “Give thanks in all circumstances” because God has already provided. In blessings and trials, we learn, and we can only depend on God. Our attitude toward the good should be the same as our attitude toward the bad, trusting God.
When must we have gratitude?
- Gratitude in Hardships. We do experience hard times, but our trials become testimonies when we choose to thank God in the midst of them. God never leaves our side, and what He carries us into, He will bring us out unharmed.
- Gratitude in Leadership. Having gratitude reminds us that authority is a gift, not a possession. Gratitude reminds leaders that those they serve are trusted souls and that the Lord has given them a gift to serve.
- Gratitude in Relationships. Having a thankful heart allows us to appreciate everything around us, including people. When we thank God for the people in our lives, including those who give us trouble, we adopt an attitude of grace. Thus, gratitude in relationships reflects God’s love.
Today, I encourage you to journal:
What trial are you facing right now, and how can you thank God amidst it?
Think of those you lead, and how gratitude can improve the way you serve.
Think of someone who challenges you, and decide to love them and see them differently.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for life. Jesus, we ask that You make us whole and new in You, that we may give thanks unto You in every situation in our lives, no matter how easy or how hard. We thank You for Your love and ask that it shine through us daily, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 95:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:15
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 11:19-28; John 5:31-47; Judges 7:9-25; Judges 8