Are you grateful throughout the year, or is having a thankful heart something you struggle with?
Continue reading to see some causes of that ungrateful attitude.
“I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.”
Fall Time is the beginning of my favorite time of the year. It ushers in the relieving cooler weather and the beauty of red, orange, and yellow, like no other season can. It also is the time of year when my family gatherings increase as we begin celebrating numerous birthdays. I love spending time laughing and celebrating with my family, it’s one of my favorite things to do.
After gathering for multiple birthdays, November continues to have a special atmosphere of thanksgiving. Not just the one day we celebrate, but it seems to flow all the way through till Christmas. However, every year on Thanksgiving Day after dinner we share with each other a scripture and what we are thankful for. In doing this we often learn something new about one another. It may take the form of a new adventure, a struggle we kept inside, or a lesson learned through the struggle. In any case, it never fails; tears are always present at some point of the evening.
Thankful For More Than The Holiday Season
While it is the most exciting time of the year for me, I am very careful to have a thankful and grateful heart throughout the year. I’ve come to realize from past experience if I seem to slip into the state of ungratefulness it not only ushers in an unthankful attitude, it is the beginning of a hardened heart.
How To Have A Grateful Heart All Through The Year
When I am mindful of whom God is and all He has done because of the love He has for me, my actions reflect a grateful heart. Then I worship, spend time talking with Him and about Him to others, and my heart begins to fill with joy once again because I’m aware of His presence. On the other hand, when my heart is one of ungratefulness my attitude and actions immediately reflect it. I become selfish and start to grumble, not being a pleasant person to be around. I have no desire to worship God, and all joy and the word of my testimony ceases. Does that sound familiar to you?
Causes Of An Ungrateful Heart
Over time, I’ve recognized my short comings and I have learned how to avoid such an attitude. To get myself back on track I begin with taking time to go before the Lord and asking for His forgiveness and help. I also ask His Holy Spirit to reveal what has caused this condition, (if it isn’t already evident). Usually there is an underlying reason that causes my ungrateful heart, whether it’s a hurt someone caused, loneliness, disappointment or just the business of life that has robbed me from the joy of being in God’s presence.
Remembering His Suffering Should Cause Us To Be Grateful
If you are struggling with an ungrateful heart today, for whatever the reason might be, turn your focus back to the cross. Remember God’s love is so great for you that He allowed His son to suffer so severely so we wouldn’t have to. Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain for us, but He also suffered emotionally. He experienced betrayal, loneliness, separation from His Father, and I’m sure disappointment, while He walked this earth and died on a cross.
The author of “My Jesus is Everything” by Ann Graham Lotz, wrote:
“As Jesus went through six trials, accused of blasphemy, tax evasion, and insurrection, where were His defenders?
Where was the paralyzed man who had lain beside the Pool of Bethesday for thirty-eight years before Jesus healed him?
Where were the lepers He had cleansed?
Where was the adulterous woman He had saved form stoning then instructed to sin no more?
Where was the Roman centurion whose servant had been healed at a great distance by the simple word of Jesus?
Where was the woman whose life’s blood had seeped from her for twelve years who had been healed by simply touching the hem of His garment?
Where was the nobleman whose daughter arose from death when Jesus took her by the hand?
Where were the mute, whose tongue had been loosed at the command of Jesus?
Where was the man who had been born blind to whom Jesus had given sight?
Where were Mary and Martha and Lazarus?
Where were the men and women and children whose lives Jesus had changed?
Where are they still?”
Focussing On His Love
If we are careful to remember Jesus’ love, His suffering, and the power and victory He gives us today because of it, our hearts will spew with thankfulness.
I challenge you to focus less on the issues of the world and spend more time focusing on the one who created it. Take advantage of the atmosphere of the season. Cultivate thankfulness and an attitude of gratitude by writing down each day for the rest of November, something you are thankful for. I will do the same.
My Prayer
“Father I thank you for Jesus. Help us not take for granted all He has done and continues to do for us. Teach us to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness as we look to you each day. Help us not to be caught up in the troubles of the world that we lose focus of you.
As we look to you, let our hearts begin to reflect thankfulness so we will be like a well that draws thirsty people to you.
In the precious name of Jesus I pray”.
Amen.
“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 106:1
