…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:20 NIV
In this Christian journey, the trials of life will surely come. Being saved, sanctified and Holy Ghost filled do not exempt us from experiencing hardship. Some of us tend to focus on the situation at hand, losing sight of God, and his goodness towards us. It is during this time we develop a “whoa is me attitude” giving unnecessary energy to the circumstance and allowing it to mute our praise. As Christians, despite our circumstances, we must always be in a posture of gratitude. We should exalt the name of Jesus and edify the kingdom of God at all times.
I can give you a laundry list of things to be grateful about but for now, I will just name a few.
REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL
- You should be grateful because God Saved You – Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” When we were sinking deep in our sins, God loved us so much that He stopped us dead in our tracks, picked us up out of the mess we were in and saved us. I don’t know about you but my testimony is, “He picked me up, turned me around and He placed my feet on solid ground”. He didn’t have to do it, but He did. Not because of what I have done, not by my own strength but because of His grace.
- You should be grateful because God Forgave You – Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” When we ask God for forgiveness and repent of our sins, He not only forgives, but He throws it in the sea of forgetfulness. He does not hold it over our head for the duration of our life. Aren’t you glad God is not like man? With his forgiveness comes freedom to be all that God has created us to be. We are free to live out our Christian life without being haunted by our past.
- Finally, you should be grateful because God Promises you A future – Jeremiah 29:11 says, “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.” Despite my failures, despite inconsistencies, despite my getting in God’s way, as a child of God, He promises me a future that I can look forward to. This is an assurance to me that God is always in control no matter what the enemy may use to get in the way.
As Christians, we cannot give thanks and complain at the same time. We must remember the blessings that God so graciously gives us despite the negative circumstances. Having an Attitude of Gratitude is a choice that requires effort especially in difficult times. In those times, when you don’t feel like smiling, speak life into the circumstance. Have an Attitude of Gratitude because despite what you are going through, God saved you, God forgave, and He promises you a future. When you speak of the goodness of God during difficult times, not only do you edify the kingdom God, but your life becomes a living testimony to others who are struggling in their faith. So today, I encourage you to choose life.
Prayer: Father we come to you with grateful hearts, thanking you and praising you for all the blessings you have given us. We ask forgiveness for all the times we have allowed our circumstances to mute our praise. Father, we ask that you continue to fill our hearts with your joy and peace as we wait on you. We praise you in advance. Amen!
Monica Renee Ministry 