Choosing gratitude

This week, we’re starting a new series based on the word Gratitude. The word comes from the Latin root word “gratus,” meaning “pleasing” or “thankful.” You’ll find only one or two verses in the Bible using words translated as “grateful” or “with gratitude,” but you will find many that speak about being thankful to God and people. So let’s focus on the attitude of gratitude for the next few weeks and delve into some Bible verses that point to being thankful.

friend, Thanksgiving in the U.S. is quickly approaching, and I feel the need to change my focus from spiritual warfare and contending to gratitude. Would you like to join me on this journey of thanksgiving? The Bible admonishes us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)  

I’m not sure about you, but this is really hard for me. It takes effort, doesn’t it? It takes willpower and a choice. I choose to be thankful to God during every situation. Let’s face it—there’s a lot to be upset and worried about. 

I recently found myself angry and upset about the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, COVID restrictions, the death of an employee, and family junk. I knew I had a choice to wallow in my frustration or give thanks for all my blessings. I started to make a “thankful” list and verbally praise God for all of my blessings. The mood in the room shifted immediately and stayed with me the whole day. My day hadn’t changed, my circumstances hadn’t changed, but my list of grievances was overwhelmed by my gratitude.

friend, you can start this new strategy of creating a daily “thankful” list and change the focus of your brain, or you can stumble on with a list of negatives. The Bible actually tells us that love “keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5, NIV) 

You can change your list because you are a miracle, and I love you more than peanuts.