Shirley
Being grateful is a gift to yourself
Mannnnnnnnn being grateful is a secret weapon. I have come to learn that when I am grateful and thankful, I carry myself differently, I am lighter, I am happier, kinder, less petty or prone to jealousy or even envy. I truly believe that a grateful heart is the key to happiness. Happiness is really all about learning to be grateful and to embrace your now whatever it may be, to live in it and to enjoy it in every way.
However, being grateful or thankful does not mean that when you look at your life that it is perfect, but that it is in fact all about opening up your eyes and really seeing the gifts that God has given you despite everything not being perfect. God will always give you something to be grateful about you just have to open up your eyes. Every day we get up we have so much to be grateful about even as we wait for God to do whatever it is we are praying for. We will never have everything we need according to our own eyes, and as that is the case in every season there is always something we will be chasing or praying for, however, if we look closely using spiritual eyes, we always have what we need in any given season. Further, things of this world will never really fill or lead to complete happiness. It is all about learning the art of seeing the good even within the bad, the shocking, the scary, the harsh, the tough, and even in what seems like unanswered prayers. It is seeing the blessings in the mess. It is learning to be grateful even when you do not feel like it; even when life has pulled a number on you and caught you off guard.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that being grateful is not about living in a state of ridiculous denial, it is about accepting the things in your life that are not how you would want them to be, but in spite of that also acknowledging the blessings in that moment. Yes, it is not about being blind to the things that may be happening in your life that are painful or upsetting, it is instead about acknowledging the not so good parts and despite it choosing to focus on the goodness of God, and opening your eyes to the things that you can be grateful about in the moment.
Also, I do acknowledge that there are times when life is so hard that it feels like there is nothing worth being grateful or thankful about, but that is not true as there is always something, and if you truly believe that you have absolutely nothing, then do it in faith.
I now know without a shadow of a doubt that when I am not grateful or thankful, I am anxious, I am envious and unhappy and unable to just enjoy where I am. I walk around with a chip on my shoulder, and proceed to see things through a negative lens of lack. Being grateful is a vibe. It elevates, encourages and builds, and changes one’s countenance. It changes how you go out into the world and how you carry yourself. So being grateful is actually a weapon for our good. Being thankless and ungrateful on the other hand is like injecting oneself with poison. So, I urge you to truly look at the life that you have today, and if you are unable to see because your vision is blurry or affected by envy, jealousy or disappointment etc, to ask God to open your eyes so you truly see now for what it is, or simply trust that God is good, and realise that although you “now” may not be what you dreamed of or even imagined, everything will eventually work out for your good because God says so (Romans 8:28).
I love how Philippines 4: 6-7 is phrased, here the word promises peace that transcends all understanding, but the cost of this is to let go of anxiety and to approach God with thanksgiving as we bring our requests. The bible is filled with reference to the importance of having a grateful and thankful heart especially when approaching out father in heaven. Having a grateful and thankful heart is a powerful weapon, it is not just a requisite for having a fulfilling life here on earth, but also an important ingredient for a wonderful relationship with God.
I know that often talk is cheap, but we must be intentional, because the evil one is constantly prowling and if he can get us to only focus on the things that are wrong in our lives or lacking in our lives, then we cannot be happy in the now or even be effective. Be careful and alert to the ungrateful thoughts you entertain.
Readings
Psalm 116:17
To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the Lord.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 50:14-15
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfil your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me.”
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 5:18-20
Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrew 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.
Psalm 100:4
Enter His gates with thanksgiving.
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
1 Timothy 4:4
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;
Psalm 50:23
“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honours Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 95:2
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with song
And magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Daniel 2:23
“To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For You have given me wisdom and power;
Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You,
For You have made known to us the king’s matter.”
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Psalm 147:7
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God on the lyre,
2 Corinthians 9:12
For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
Psalm 118:21
I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, And You have become my salvation.
Psalm 138:1
A Psalm of David.
I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing praises to You before the gods.
Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.
Jonah 2:9
But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.”
Psalms 95:1-3
“O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”
Psalms 100: 4-5
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalms 118:24
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118: 29
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; his love endures forever.
Psalms 9:1
“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
Colossians 2:7
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
James 1:17
” Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4: 6
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalms 103:1-5
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalms 107: 1
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Ephesians 5: 20
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.”
Psalms 28:7
“I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.”
Psalms 69:30
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; …”
Psalms 136:1-5
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29
“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
Ezra 3:11
With praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:1-3
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
Psalm 100:4-5
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 106:1
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:21-22
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 147:7
Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.
Daniel 2:23
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.
Ephesians 5:18-20
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 4 :2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Isaiah 54:1
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord.