Abiding With Gratitude

Are you abiding with gratitude? Or are you overwhelmed with disappointment? I have a postcard framed in my dining room that reads, “By the world’s standards I can easily believe that I never have all that I need. But the truth is, it’s always more than enough.” Our lives should be filled with gratitude if we are abiding in Christ and in His Word. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

As followers of Christ, we should be known for our gratitude to God because we recognize that all we have is from Him. We should be thankful for all that God has done for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And we should find contentment in knowing that God is in control of every situation. However, sin tempts us to be ungrateful by comparing ourselves to others and focusing on what we don’t have instead of what we do. 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34

Choosing Gratitude

My favorite fruit of the spirit is self-control because I lived so many years being ruled by my emotions instead of being ruled by godly wisdom. One of the greatest emotions to rule over me is ungratefulness. It’s a daily choice to be in God’s Word, prayer, and Christian community. These things help me to stay focused on and thankful for God’s promises and faithfulness. 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Last week I attended my church’s Thanksgiving Night of Worship. I almost didn’t make it there. I had been fighting a cold for over a week, so the couch was feeling warm and cozy. My daughter reminded me that we needed to get ready. There were a number of things that happened over the next thirty minutes that made us leave the house later than I wanted to. Then traffic was worse than I thought it should be. For a split second, I lost it. I thought to myself, “I didn’t even want to come.” Immediately, my stomach began to turn in knots at my words, and I realized just how ungrateful I was being. 

Everything I have is from God. He has graciously provided for me, over and over again. Not to mention He “set me apart before I was born, called me by His grace, and was pleased to reveal His Son to me.” (Galatians 1:15-16) And because of a few inconveniences, I thought for a second that I didn’t have an hour to worship Him alongside my church family. I spent the next hour in tears during worship as I was reminded just how undeserving I am of God’s mercy and grace.  

The Benefits of Gratitude

Studies have proven that there are many benefits to gratitude. For instance, gratitude is linked to increased well-being, better sleep quality, lower stress hormones, reduced risk of anxiety, improved relationships, and even healthy eating habits. This shouldn’t be a surprise since the God who created us knows what is best for His children. 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Before following Christ, I was not a grateful person. Instead I was plagued by disappointment. I constantly compared myself to others, and every mild inconvenience was the end of the world. It’s no surprise then that I struggled with anxiety and depression. I see this same attitude in so many of my loved ones who don’t know Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hopelessness and anxiety rule over them, and they can’t even celebrate or see the good things in their lives. They have no one to cast their anxieties on and no peace because they don’t know the One who is in control of all things.  

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

A Lesson In Gratitude

When I came to faith, I was working as a graphic designer for the local newspaper. I greatly disliked my job. My managers seemed to have favorites on our team, and I was not one of them. I always felt like I was being overlooked for projects that I deserved. 

When I began to rightly see the Holy Bible as the Word of God, I was convicted by my lack of gratitude for my job. I was part of a team with amazing talent, and they challenged me to be a better designer. I was working for a company that I had wanted to work for since high school. My job gave me an opportunity to serve God by serving those around me. It also gave me the opportunity to share Christ with my very liberal coworkers. In addition to that, I attended a weekly discipleship group during my lunch break with two ladies from my church who worked near me. It became clear to me that God had me right where He wanted me. 

When my attitude towards my coworkers and job changed, other things started changing. I was able to celebrate the wins of my coworkers instead of seeing their accomplishments as my failures. The sales team and my managers started asking me to do special projects. I was even recognized for my work and great customer service. I began to love and appreciate my job. 

Then, through the study of God’s Word, God led me to leave my job and be home full time for my two kids. I laugh when I think back on it because I know that was His plan all along, but He had to teach me a lesson first. He taught me that gratitude towards God produces contentment wherever He has me. I also learned that I should desire to serve Him the best way I can in every situation. 

Intentionally Grateful

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

There are a lot of ways to be more intentional about gratitude, but I think it starts by being in God’s Word. God’s Word humbles us and shows us our great need and God’s great mercy. Prayer is another way to abide with gratitude. Daily we should be thanking God in prayer for all that He does in our lives. 

Be sure to download my Abiding In Prayer Journal. You will see that there is a place to write down what you are thankful for in your Bible reading. This could be an attribute or promise of God found in Scripture that you are thankful for. It could be a command from Scripture on thankfulness, or it could be something from your reading that makes you think of something you are thankful for. This is a great tool to help you abide with gratitude. 

If you notice yourself focused on disappointments, resolve to be more grateful. Dive into God’s Word, start praying and repenting, and share your struggles with another believer who can mentor or disciple you. Don’t allow lies and hopelessness to rule over you. Instead, let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. 

I would love to hear your story of gratitude. Send me an email through my Contact Page.