PLYMOUTH – Is living a life of gratitude to God key to finding peace and contentment in life? What does a grateful life look like? Is it walking around with a silly grin on our faces and being unaffected by our crazy lives, disappointments, and rough situations? What does gratefulness look like?
There is something about being grateful for all that God has done for you that makes you live differently. Soak in this Scripture verse in Hebrew 12:28 NLT, “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” My daily walk-through life, my homelife, at work, in my neighborhood, at church, are all affected by my acknowledgment and thankfulness to God.
I can hear it when I talk with people, their ingratitude for God’s provisions, His care, His guidance, and His plan for their life. They are disgruntled, discontented, and are striving for more, always more. God knows how easily we drift from Him. His Word in Ephesians 5:20 NLT instructs us, “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I find God’s provision for me to be over-the-top. He doesn’t curse me when I sin against Him, but instead provides His Son as a way for me to be set free from my sin guilt. He doesn’t just clothe me with the bare necessities, but gives me enough clothing to fill my closet. He doesn’t just give me simple sustenance for each day, but fills my refrigerator with an abundance of foods. He doesn’t just provide me a shack to shelter me from the Michigan weather, but supplies me with a warm, cozy home. In thousands of other ways, I see His hand of generosity and care for me. How can I do anything else but pour out my thanks to Him?!
Last week, I asked my discipleship group to pray for me because I was close to being overwhelmed by my workload right now. I feared falling behind or dropping the ball on something important. They prayed all week for me. I had a hugely productive week and was filled with energy and a clear mind.
My group asked me about how my work week went, and I told them how amazingly fruitful it was. I immediately realized that I hadn’t thanked God for His strength that He had given me to complete so much work. I had asked for His help and then after He answered the prayers, I didn’t even think to thank Him. I didn’t acknowledge that it was a gift from Him. Forgive me Lord.
Is praying, “Thank you God for all You’ve done for me (salvation in Christ, daily provisions, care, guidance, and love)” enough? The words thank you sometimes don't feel like enough. I think that obedience is somehow tied to showing gratitude.
I John 5:3 says, “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”
Choosing to obey His commands shows our gratitude and love. Breathing out gratitude shows that I recognize who is in control of life. By not acknowledging God and thanking Him for His care, I am showing that I think that I am in control.
Saying thank you to people I interact with, also has an impact on my day. From my spouse to the stranger who holds the door for me, thanking them changes the moment. When I look people in the eyes and thank them for something they did, they often glow with pleasure at having been shown gratitude. I especially see it in teenagers and older, overlooked people. I know it is good to show gratitude to both God and others.
Here it is, plain and straightforward, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jamie Lynn is a Jesus follower who is passionate about helping others find a deeper faith in Him. She loves her work at the Baptist State Convention of Michigan and leading discipleship groups of women. She has been married for 47 years to Tony, a wonderful husband and ministry partner.