Gratitude

When you take a moment to reflect, it's clear that we've become part of a culture that often feels entitled, demanding, and unappreciative. Regardless of our financial situation, society encourages us to desire what we lack and to feel justified in our complaints. I've experienced this myself, having gone through times of abundance and scarcity. Currently, I'm without an income and relying on my church for support, which has challenged my pride and sense of gratitude. The kindness of my church community has been overwhelming, and I realized I have no reason to feel ungrateful. I have a safe place to live now, far better than the camper I once stayed in, which was cold and uncomfortable with frost on the inside of the windows despite the small heaters I had going. This home, though small, is warm and equipped with reliable heating. I recognized the blessings I have and asked for forgiveness for the moments I spent complaining instead of appreciating them.

Luke 17:11-19, “ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Only one man was grateful for what Jesus did. Imagine the profound emotions that God might feel as He bestows upon us the gifts of life, love, companionship, blessings, and even His Son, only to witness us often neglecting Him in our relentless pursuit of personal ambitions. It’s not uncommon for us to offer a fleeting "thank you, God," yet our connection with Him frequently seems superficial. We’re so busy dealing with the pressures of our jobs, home lives, and activities that we don’t have much time to fit God in. We may find ourselves attending church occasionally, perhaps once or twice a month if our busy lives permit. When we do attend services, we might sing along with the hymns without much passion, listen to the sermon, engage in brief chatter or gossip with friends, and give God a quick acknowledgment before rushing back to our familiar routines.

How often do we grumble about our situations or the people around us? Complaining can give negativity a stronghold in our lives, leading to feelings of bitterness. We give the devil a foothold when we dwell in discontent. I recall when I was trapped in a cycle of complaints. Nothing anyone said nothing could lift my spirits, and anger consumed me.  However, I eventually found deliverance. While I still face the temptation to complain, the Holy Spirit guides me, reminding me that such behavior isn't aligned with God's will. Philippians 2: 12-15, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” To combat feelings of entitlement and ingratitude, worshiping God is essential. When we choose to praise Him despite our circumstances, it brings about a beautiful transformation in our hearts. Gratitude diminishes pride and undermines self-reliance. It dismantles the sense of entitlement within us. By surrendering our dissatisfied egos to gratitude, we cultivate more contentment, enriched with appreciation. Learning to appreciate God's blessings keeps us mindful of the Source of all the good in our lives, reminding us of our needs that God fulfills through Christ. Instead of expecting God to cater to our desires, gratitude helps us recognize our rightful place as those who owe everything to the giver of life.

Have you ever considered that when you're busy complaining, you could be overlooking a chance to share your faith with someone? If you're focused on negativity, how can others recognize the light of God shining through you? Would the apostles’ ministry have been effective if they had complained the whole time? Paul recognizes the overwhelming presence of negative influences that surround us and urges us to resist the prevailing tide. He describes our generation as a “crooked and perverse nation” (Philippians 2:15), echoing Peter's admonition to the unbelieving Jews during Pentecost (Acts 2:40) and reflecting on Israel's troubled past (Psalm 78:57). The cultural shifts in the West have led to a decay of values, with various forms of rebellion and degeneracy openly celebrated, often in front of impressionable youth. Today, the norm is to have sex before marriage and have multiple partners. Homosexualism, transgenderism, sex changes, and the murder of innocent babies are prevalent. Indeed, we find ourselves in a generation that is deeply twisted. The “children of God” (Philippians 2:15) cannot afford to isolate themselves or passively wait for the end times. Instead, we are called to navigate life within a morally compromised society while remaining distinct from it. We are called to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” embodying our identity as the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Philippians 4:11, 12, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need..” Can we really give thanks in every situation? It might seem impossible, especially during tough times like losing a job, receiving a cancer diagnosis, or facing bullying. It was very difficult living in my old camper where I couldn’t even wash my dishes because the sink was broken. These moments often feel devoid of anything to be grateful for. However, there are reasons to be thankful, even in difficult circumstances; we must shift our perspective. I am sure many homeless people having no shelter and would be grateful for my old camper.  If we struggle to see the positives, we can ask God to help us recognize the support around us, like caring friends, dedicated healthcare professionals, and compassionate educators. Additionally, even if we can't identify current blessings, we can express gratitude for past ones, as God's goodness remains timeless and relevant in our lives. Reflecting on my past, I realize there were countless moments when God intervened to save my life without any obligation to do so. I could have easily lost my life on several occasions, but He chose to protect me.

“Lord God, I am hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. I always carry around in my body the death of Your Son, Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in my body. (2 Cor. 4:8-10) Lord help me always to remember that if I am truly crucified with Christ, I am also raised to resurrection life! Help me never to forget that the purpose of crucified life is to walk in the power of Your resurrection. (Gal 2:20)” (Moore, 2000) Philippians 4:11“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” I have to say that when I first purchased my old camper, I felt immense gratitude. Without it, I would have faced homelessness. I truly experienced the same sense of peace that Paul described. There are simply no words to express the tranquility that comes from surrendering to God and maintaining a thankful heart, regardless of the situation.

Gratitude boosts your mood and emotional health while also benefiting your physical well-being by encouraging healthy habits and lowering stress. Being grateful can boost your mental health and comes with some great physical perks, like lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system. It can help you sleep better and make healthier choices, like working out and eating right. Having a grateful mindset brings various mental and emotional advantages, such as lower chances of experiencing depression and anxiety, reduced substance use, improved self-esteem, decreased stress levels, and stronger bonds with others. It's important for the significant people in our lives to feel our appreciation, which often calls for us to act or express our gratitude. By actively cultivating and sharing gratitude openly, we enhance our relationships and inspire those around us to embrace gratitude.

When we uproot entitlement, gratitude flourishes in our open and receptive hearts.  This mindset transforms our perspective on the past, allowing us to see God's hand in every situation. It also enables us to engage with God in the present, relying on Him daily. Furthermore, gratitude cultivates a spirit of worship, preparing us to celebrate all the wonderful things He has in store for us in the future. Worshiping God is an acknowledgment of His supreme authority as our Creator and a recognition of His love for us as a Father. The act of worship aligns us with His nature and purpose, fostering transformation in our lives that leads us to reflect His character. By honoring God, we fulfill our intended relationship with Him and experience spiritual enrichment and growth, ultimately becoming more like the divine being we revere. In this sense, our worship is both a duty and a pathway to deeper communion with Him, which brings pleasure to God and fulfillment to us.

It's intriguing how often we question the reasons behind our struggles but seldom ponder the reasons for our blessings. This mindset stems from the misconception that we are undeserving of hardship yet entitled to goodness. In truth, we all deserve nothing but despair. For Christians, Christ has rescued us from our sins, filling us with His Spirit and welcoming us into His eternal family. Our lives are not our own; we were redeemed at a great cost—the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Like the lepers who were healed, we too have experienced transformation. Will we follow the path of many who are too preoccupied to express gratitude, or will we choose to be different, living with appreciation and returning to thank the God who has given us everything that truly matters? What has God accomplished in your life? What gifts has He bestowed upon you? Are there blessings you overlook, such as your life, health, friendships, job, or home? If you take a moment to reflect, you'll likely recognize God's presence in every aspect, even in the challenges you wish had never occurred. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Gratitude feels effortless when you hear that the cancer is gone, but what happens if it returns? Loving and marrying someone is a beautiful experience, but what about the pain of heartbreak? You rejoice when your child makes the soccer team, yet what if he doesn't? It's challenging to express thanks in every situation, and some days it can seem utterly unachievable. Cultivating gratitude is a journey that requires time patience and the help of the Holy Spirit.

Psalms 66:1-4 1 “(To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm.) Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.” 1Peter 2:9,10 9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

We are repeatedly encouraged in Scripture to express gratitude and to sing praises to God. It's important to remember the Israelites, who grumbled despite God's provision of food and water. They endured a long period in the desert before being granted entry into the promised land. Similarly, how long might God withhold His judgment from us if we resist submission and obedience? Cultivating gratitude is just one of the many challenges we face. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is here to guide us through these struggles, helping us to rise above our earthly temptations. John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

“Lo, the great King of kings with healing in His wings,

To every captive soul a full deliverance brings;

And through the vacant cells the song of triumph rings;

The Comforter has come!

The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!

The Holy Ghost from heaven, the Father's promise given;

O spread the tidings 'round wherever man is found:

The Comforter has come!”

(Francis Bottome)

All quotations from the Bible are in the King James Version

Groeschel, C. (n.d.). Cultivating the Value of Gratitude. Faith Gateway. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://faithgateway.com/blogs/christian-books/cultivating-the-value-of-gratitude

Kocman, A. (2023, June 12). The Ineffable Witness of a Complaint-Free Christian. ABWE. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://abwe.org/blog/ineffable-witness-complaint-free-christian/

Moore, B. (2000). Praying God's Word (p. 123). B&H Publishing Group.