A Journey Towards Thankfulness

As believers, it is vital that we show gratitude in our lives. The way we exhibit thankfulness is an indication of our faith and our perception of God. In this blog, I encourage readers to express their gratitude for God's unending provision in all circumstances with a joyful heart. Through daily practices, such as thanking neighbors, serving others, and being grateful for God's many blessings, we can foster a spirit of thankfulness. In today's negative world, taking a deliberate approach to gratitude is a Godly way to triumph over negativity. However, incorporating gratitude into our daily lives requires a change of heart and mind. The word "repent" is a powerful reminder of this process, as its Greek counterpart "metanoia" represents a transformation of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, leading us to God. It is a powerful way to focus on the blessings from our God causing the negativity to be crowded out, taking up less space in our lives. Blessings or having more blessings do not guarantee thankfulness. It is a choice, it’s a fight within ourselves. A fight we can win. With the grace of God empowering us to be thankful people. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, God cautioned them to keep Him at the forefront of their minds: "...beware that you do not forget the Lord your God." Although they were set to inherit a land of rich blessings, the Lord reminded them that it was by His grace that they were given it all. He urged them to remain humble, lest their hearts become proud and forgetful of their Creator: "...when your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God...you may say in your heart, my power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth" (Deut. 8.11-18).

How to Keep God at the Forefront Amidst Blessings So, how can we, in the midst of our many blessings and pleasures, keep from forgetting God and becoming proud and self-sufficient in our hearts? C.S. Lewis once wrote that the pleasures of life are like shafts of God’s glory striking us. He discovered that if he made every pleasure into a channel of adoration, it would transform his life. He believed that gratitude was not enough, and that adoration was the key to experiencing the fullness of life. Reflecting on the goodness of God, one can't help but be amazed at the wonder of it all. As Lewis puts it, "One’s mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun". It is a struggle that is worth fighting for in the world today. The world constantly preaches the same falsehood that the Serpent told to Adam and Eve. It suggests that you should create your own little world where you are the supreme being of your life. You need to take care of yourself, and everything depends on you. How can you not dwell on the negative when everything that does not go as planned feels like a personal attack? Your entire character and identity are based on everything going according to plan. If even a single thing deviates from the planned course, everything is at risk of collapsing. You are always on high alert, ready to adjust yourself to survive. This is not the Good Life that was promised. John 10:10 says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Expressing Gratitude in Difficult Situations You don’t have to lie about your situation or circumstance. I believe in some church circles we are taught to live in denial. This has never been God’s plan for His Kids. It's important to be honest about the reality of a situation, but the words you use can significantly affect your outlook. Employ "glass half-full language" to frame your perspective in a favorable light. For instance, instead of saying "I was rejected from this program," try saying "I didn't get into the program this time." These two words, "this time," serve as a reminder that you can always try again or explore other opportunities. This shift in mindset can also help you appreciate the chance to learn and move forward. Lastly, remember to be mindful of how you talk to yourself and others. It is important to express gratitude whenever something good happens to you, no matter how small the deed. Instead of merely saying "thank you" out of habit, take a moment to acknowledge how the act was somehow helpful to you, either internally or externally. You may take a few extra seconds to reflect on how nice it was of them to do something for you or make eye contact while expressing your gratitude. This approach helps you to actively recognize the good in your life daily. Once again, it's important to be truthful and genuine. Don't try to be sincere; be led by the Spirit and express your gratitude and say thank you.

So, as Lewis suggests, if we will allow God’s good gifts to draw our minds and hearts to meditate on his character, we will not forget him. Indeed, we will grow to know, love, and adore him more. We will also grow in gratitude and the desire to please him and be good stewards of his manifold gifts and graces. “Gratitude” is a choice to look at life through the lens of abundance rather than lack. It takes intentionality to live in this New Reality of the Kingdom of God. Psalm 63:3-5 NIV beautifully encapsulates the essence of gratitude, "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips, my mouth will praise you." In closing, I live by the motto “Gratitude” which is a choice to look at life through the lens of abundance rather than lack. · It takes intentionality to live in this New Reality of the Kingdom of God. Knowing this truth with God, thanks always wins out!!!