Gratitude
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
The Bible is pretty clear about what God has done throughout eternity for His creation. God created it, we broke it, Jesus fixed it, and when Jesus returns, we will see the full view of His restoration, as we rejoice in God’s presence for the rest of eternity. Friends, we have much to be grateful for!
Yet, our sinful nature is broken, and it often seems easier to complain, moan, and whinge than to be grateful and positive. Living a life of gratitude is like a muscle — it needs to be worked, and it has so many benefits, not only to us individually but to the collective. We are created for community, and we not only benefit from contagious gratitude, but it’s also our responsibility to live like that.
In fact, the above verse shows us there are three things that God considers to be His will for our lives: joy, prayer, and gratitude — and we’re to do all three all the time.
It might seem difficult to rejoice in your current circumstances, but there is always a reason to rejoice in God. There is always a reason to thank God for His unfailing love and for always hearing us, just as Jesus prayed (John 11:41–42).
As we’re Imago Dei, each of our expressions of gratitude are different, and God knows best what works for you. It might be keeping a gratitude journal, writing a stressed/blessed list when things feel full, or simply sitting in God’s presence in the silence. Let’s keep our eyes on Him — it’s the best way to be grateful.