Gratitude comes naturally when you are happy and everything is going well. It starts to get dicey when things begin to fall apart, happiness flies out the window, and there is no tangible reason to be grateful. How do you sustain gratitude when it seems like you have no reason to be grateful? Join me as we explore biblical truths that inspire us to remain thankful in every situation.
- Gratitude is God’s Will for You
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” God desires that we remain positive and grateful regardless of what happens to us. When we cultivate a thankful heart, negativity and anxiety find it hard to take root. The unfortunate truth is that bad things will happen to everyone at some point, but how do you maintain your sanity, preserve your joy, and keep your faith intact? It is by believing Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” So when something tries to take away your peace and joy, remember John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
- Gratitude is a Potent Weapon of Warfare Against the Enemy
Acts 16:25-26 tells the story of how Paul and Silas, who were unjustly imprisoned, praised God and received their victory and freedom. Through their praises to God, offered with hearts of gratitude, the foundations of the prison shook, the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. Warfare prayers are powerful, but have you tried warfare praises? Revelation 12:11 – “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.“
- Jesus Exemplified Gratitude
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Gratitude reflects the character of Jesus. Throughout His life on earth, He gave thanks in every situation—good or bad. Just before facing crucifixion, He gave thanks for the bread and wine at the Last Supper, fully aware of the suffering ahead. He could have spent His final moments before the crucifixion sulking, complaining, or sorrowing, but He chose the opposite. Complaining blinds us to God’s goodness, while gratitude opens our eyes to His blessings.
- Gratitude Brings God’s Peace to Us
Philippians 4:6–7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we play our part in appreciating God’s ability to solve any situation, it shifts our focus from anxiety to assurance. When our hearts are filled with gratitude, anxiety finds its way out, and God’s peace takes over to rule our hearts, even before the problem is solved.
- Gratitude is a Gateway to God’s Presence
Psalm 95:2: “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise.” Gratitude invites God’s presence into our situation, no matter what it is. Whether things are good or bad, we know that we can always welcome His presence into our lives with thanksgiving. (Psalm 100:4).
- Gratitude Shows our Confidence in God’s Ability
Several times in the Bible, before Jesus performed a miracle, He gave thanks to God. Sometimes, He didn’t even pray that His request be granted; He thanked God in advance for granting the request. A good example is when He was at Lazarus’ tomb. John 11:41 – “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.’” A great way to put your faith to work is to thank God for answering your prayer requests even before you physically receive them.
As you cultivate a heart of gratitude, remember that the devil is a cunning thief of joy. Yet, we have been given authority over him by God, allowing us to rebuke his attacks and reaffirm our trust in the Lord.
No responses yet