“I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” Psalm 86:12 ESV
Do you consider yourself a grateful person?
Spend much time watching or listening to news programs, economic forecasters, political pundits, politicians of every stripe and at every level, military analysts, social activists, and protesters championing the cause of the moment, and you will eventually conclude that the world is on the brink of annihilation.
It does seem so, at times. As believers, we know that a day will come when God says, “Enough.” With that, Christ will return for His church and those who are dead in Christ, and it will, in fact, be the beginning of the end of earth—all things—as we have known it.
BUT, until then, we who follow Christ are instructed to be grateful people, irrespective of the state of the world and our own circumstances.
I’ll ask another way: Do you consider yourself a thankful person?
Saying “thank you!” is relatively easy. However, I have known people who have difficulty saying those two little words. Today, “thank you” is generally defined as the verbal expression of a mental acknowledgement of a kindness performed, a favor shown, a word of encouragement spoken, or some other positive action taken on behalf of the one saying, “thank you.”
In this modern interpretation, “Thank you” is a head-level response that can be sincere. It’s an appropriate and frequently expected response to a polite kindness given. But its frequent overuse tends to render the word anemic. The phrase “Thank you” can become automatic and reflexive; while still polite, it tends to lack sincerity and feeling.
Our modern definition of “grateful” is viewed as a deeper response of the heart, recognizing the grace extended by the one who extends kindness. “Grateful” acknowledges that there is a cost to the one who has extended the kindness.
The Greek word “charis” is most frequently translated as “grace,” but it can also mean “grateful” and “thankful.” So when you see either of the two words in Scripture, know they are both rooted in grace. Both are words of the heart.
Why is it essential that we, as followers of Christ, be thankful and deeply grateful?
An attitude of gratitude helps shape our view of God, others, and our world.
An attitude of gratitude helps shape our view of God, others, and our world.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV
Gratitude acknowledges and records the many blessings and the abundant goodness of God in our lives. It focuses our gaze on God as the giver of life, breath, spiritual wholeness and healing.
Gratitude reminds us that God is our Father, because of Jesus our Savior.
Gratitude reminds us:
- We are chosen and known by God (Ephesians 1:4, Psalm 139:1-4).
- We are a child of the King (Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1-2).
- We are joint heirs with Christ (Ephesians 1:11, Galatians 4:7).
- We are redeemed (Ephesians 1:7-9).
- We are blessed in Christ (Ephesians 1:3, 6).
- We are pupose-filled (Ephesians 1:5, 9-12).
- We are a new creation (Ephesians 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
- We are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Gratitude reminds us that God is for us, not against us. It reminds us that our all-powerful Father holds us near to His heart, and there is nothing and no one that can ever snatch us from His mighty hand. (John 10:28, 29)
When the tragedies and turmoils of this world attempt to pull you under mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, be grateful that He is Yours and You are His. And knowing that, you have much for which you can be grateful.
Are you grateful?
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” – Psalm 28:7 ESV