A Christian leader once told me, “Linda, there is nothing more harmful to the soul than a heart of ingratitude.” Looking back, I see that my spiritual depth at that time was pretty shallow. What he was saying was true and I even gave him a nod of acknowledgement. However, my heart didn’t grasp the depth of truth he was speaking. Since then, I’ve realized that when we live with regret from the past or have overwhelming circumstances, it is a conscious choice to have a grateful heart. Our reality says, “What’s to be thankful for?” Remember, the Psalmist said, “I will praise the Lord” – not “I want to.”
The true reality is that God is good – all the time! He never has a bad day and he always loves me and has my best interests at heart. My circumstances are not always what I wish they were but He never changes. For that alone I can be eternally grateful.
Motivational speaker, Zig Ziegler has a quote that I love, “It’s your attitude, not your aptitude that will take you to new altitudes.” At times, I definitely need an attitude adjustment! How about you?
Some days when I wake up, my circumstances seem overwhelming. Humanly speaking, they are. Sometimes I just lay there for a few minutes and quietly thank Him for a cozy, comfortable (and sometimes warm) bed to enjoy. I name off everything I can think of that I’m thankful for. Before I know it, my heart is encouraged and I see him much bigger than my circumstances.
Thankfulness opens the door to God’s presence. Scripture tells us that He inhabits the praise of His people. Gratitude invites God into my circumstances and removes all the limitations that can otherwise be insurmountable.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18