If we initiate saying thank you to God from our mouths, it will only be a matter of time before our hearts catch up and re-align with sincere gratitude. Psalm 34:1 teaches us, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Let us learn to speak the language of thankfulness no matter what.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow, let’s resolve to be people for whom others give thanks. And let’s do so out of transforming gratitude for the One to whom we direct the thanksgiving of our tables and of our hearts.
Looking around my hometown of Los Angeles, my heart soars with gratitude. My home is safe, my bills are paid, and I am fortunate to be able to serve my family an ample Thanksgiving meal. And yet, I am fully aware that hundreds of thousands of Angelinos face a constant struggle just to have their basic needs met. My heart especially goes out to the valiant mothers who fight poverty every single day for the sake of their families.
The stillness of Thanksgiving is followed by the frenetic motion of the pre-Christmas holiday shopping days: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and then the unexpected day arrives. It is called Giving Tuesdays. What a refreshing day to follow in the spirit of Thanks-giving.
In light of today’s theme, the biblical exhortation to give thanks becomes even more compelling. In Psalm 100 we find seven such imperatives in the Hebrew, seven commands related to gratitude.
Even in the midst of tragedy, the writer of Lamentations could pray, “You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life” (Lamentations 3:58). And one day “death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). We can claim this promise: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new’” (v. 5).
The recipe for gratitude is simple. Give thanks to God in prayer; say, “Thank you,” to those who extend grace or favor to you; write thank-you notes; keep a gratitude journal; have a weekly family “Thanksgiving meal” where family members extend thanks to one another; incorporate gratitude—instead of complaints or cynicism—into your daily conversation. We have no shortage of reasons and opportunities to express gratitude to God and others. So be intentional in your pursuit to become a grateful person. It will benefit your Creator, your loved ones, and even yourself.
A South Carolina woman who recently celebrated her 107th birthday credits the blessings of God for her longevity.
We have focused this week on finding victory over temptation and doubt. Today, let’s discuss discouragement. Our first response should be to expect it. Challenges and setbacks are part of life, even (and sometimes especially) for people of faith. Our second response should be to seek the joy of Jesus no matter our circumstances.
As headlines about heavy and, at times, overwhelming world events cross our screens, actress and outspoken Christian Cameron Candace Bure encouraged her fans to participate in a "gratitude challenge."
