Cultivating Attitudes of Gratitude
In this Season of Holidays (Thanksgiving thru New Year's Day) and Advent (anticipation, preparation), we do well to be reminded of these powerful words of life perspective found in Paul's letter to a church in Thessalonians:
"Rejoice always,?pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Questions that come quickly to mind in response to these words are: "What does this mean?", "How is it possible?" and "Why is this important?"
In my recent readings, I came across a true story from the life of Corrie ten Boom, prisoner in a German concentration camp in World War II, and a writing by Pastor Rick Warren that helped answer these questions and give perspective on this most important topic:
THANKFUL FOR THE FLEAS
"Corrie ten Boom writes of her sister thanking God for the fleas in their barracks at Ravensbruck concentration camp. Corrie could not understand why they should thank God for the horrible fleas. But she followed her sister’s lead and the Bible’s instruction to thank God in all things.
Not long after, they realized the guards never came into their barracks anymore. So, the women were never assaulted, and they were free to have Bible studies where many of the women came to know Christ. It was only later that they found out why the guards left them alone: the fleas."?
This story reminds us that we, humans, have a very limited perspective on our lives, and the events of the world, in comparison to an eternal, all loving and powerful God.
"For now, we see only a reflection, as in a mirror dimly,?but then face to face. Now I?know?in part; then I shall?know?fully, even as I have been fully known." I Corinthians 13:12.
How often have we, as beautifully described in the "Footprints on the Sand" poem, looked back, in the "rear view mirror" on events in our lives and world, thereby gaining insight and perspective how difficult circumstances, trials and challenges resulted in something good?
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in?all?things?God?works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,?because you know the testing of your faith?produces perseverance.? Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature?and complete, not lacking anything."
In the midst of an ongoing Covid virus, diagnosis of cancer or heart disease, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a host of other physical, mental and emotional health concerns, "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
In the midst of an ongoing war in the Ukraine, shootings at schools and other public places, and a host of other senseless acts of violence, hurt and transgression, "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
In the midst of great economic uncertainty, inflation and recession, floods, volcanoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, and a host of other personal, local, national and world crises, "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Benefits of Having an "Attitude of Gratitude"
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18,?“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”?(NIV). That’s radical gratitude. In every circumstance give thanks, because it’s God’s will for your life.
You can thank God in every circumstance because God is in control. He can bring good out of evil. He can turn around the worst mistakes you’ve made. No matter what happens, God isn’t going to stop loving you. You can find a hundred things to be thankful for in any circumstance, even when the circumstance stinks.
Radical gratitude—being thankful in all circumstances—is God’s will because it creates fellowship. What do I mean by that? Gratitude always builds deeper relationships between you and other people and between you and God.
If you want to get closer to someone, start by expressing gratitude to that person. If you’re feeling distant from your spouse, you need to start doing what you did when you were dating: Express gratitude. Write notes of kindness and encouragement. Make calls or text during the day, just to tell your spouse that you’re thankful. The reason you’ve lost that lovin’ feeling is because you stopped doing the things that created that lovin’ feeling early on, and you take each other for granted.
Bible Verses on Giving Thanks to God
Being thankful isn't just for the Thanksgiving holiday. Scripture tells us to be "thankful in everything, in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we find ourselves overwhelmed with burdens and worried about tomorrow, we can praise God for who he is and his promise to never leave us or forsake us. We have been blessed with the free gift of salvation and eternal life!
To help you with thanksgiving, here's a not complete list of Bible teachings related to gratitude: 30 Days of Gratitude Prayer Guide
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
?Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. ?For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
An old, beautiful hymn, "Count Your Blessings", written by Johnson Oatman reminds us to give thanks for God's grace and abundant blessings each and every single day. Some may even be so small that we might overlook them. This is definitely a pause we all need to take. Amen?!
Find the full lyrics of "Count Your Blessings" and the background story of its author copied below, as well as the biblical inspiration of this hymn. Behind the Hymn: Count Your Blessings ? Diana Leagh Matthews
Count Your Blessings Lyrics
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.?
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. (Refrain)
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. (Refrain)
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. (Refrain)