Maintain a thankful heart
Romans 1:16-21 (KJV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
The inability to maintain a thankful heart can have an evil impact on our lives if we are not careful.
We can start to think that everything that we have obtained, not to mention our strength and abilities, are the result of our own doing.
One of the greatest revelations that you can ever receive is when God reveals His life changing power to you. Because everything that we will ever do that is good will flow from our understanding of that truth.
When people ask me how I am doing, my reply should be, “I am blessed and highly favored of the Lord.”
Not;
Well, I’m here…
I’m doing….
I’m above ground…
The days not over yet…
“I am blessed and highly favored of the Lord.”
If you say that you know God, then you ought to be giving Him thanks for that revelation of truth.
Paul said that when Israel knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, and neither were they thankful. And he addressed the fallout of their ingratitude. He said,
Romans 1:21-32
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
1. I want you to realize that there is great Power in maintaining a heart of Gratitude?
Cultivating a thankful heart can have a transformation effect in your life.
A thankful heart will lead to increased joy, contentment, and a closer relationship with God.
It’s very easy to focus on things we don’t like. Like not wanting to feel:
Tired
Hungry
Frustrated
Worried
Upset
The way to transform our negative feelings is to maintain a thankful heart.
Eventually frustration will turn into satisfaction. Worry will turn into confidence. A lack of energy will turn into motivation.
2. "Finding Gratitude in Difficult Times":
We must face the challenges of maintaining a thankful heart during seasons of hardship or adversity.
Job:
Despite losing his wealth, his health, and his family, Job maintained a thankful heart. In Job 1:20-22, he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job's gratitude in the midst of his suffering demonstrated his trust in God's sovereignty.
Paul and Silas:
In Acts 16:25, we find Paul and Silas imprisoned and shackled in Philippi. Instead of despairing, they began to pray and sing hymns of praise to God. Their gratitude and worship in the midst of their difficult circumstances not only brought about their own miraculous deliverance but also impacted the jailer and his household.
David:
Throughout the Psalms, David expressed gratitude to God even in the midst of trials. In Psalm 23:4, he declared, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." David's ability to find gratitude in the midst of challenging situations is a testament to his unwavering trust in God's presence and faithfulness.
The Apostle Paul:
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote from prison, expressing his gratitude for the support and love he received from the Philippian church. Despite his confinement, Paul remained thankful for the opportunity to share the gospel and the faith of the believers. His gratitude in the midst of his imprisonment serves as an example of finding joy and contentment in any circumstance.
Jesus:
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced immense suffering and anguish as He prayed before His crucifixion. Yet, even in His distress, He maintained a thankful heart, saying, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me" (John 11:41). Jesus' gratitude in the face of imminent suffering demonstrates His perfect trust in the Father's plan to become the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
These biblical examples of maintaining a heart of thanksgiving help them know confidently that God was with them, and they were going to succeed.
3. "Practicing Daily Gratitude":
Developing a daily habit of having a thankful heart requires intentionality and practice.
1. Start the day with gratitude: Begin each morning by expressing thanks to God for the gift of a new day and for His blessings. Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you are grateful for each morning.
2. Practice mindfulness: Throughout the day, pause and intentionally notice the blessings and beauty around you. Take a moment to appreciate the small things, such as a warm cup of coffee, a beautiful sunset, or a kind word from a friend.
3. Count your blessings: Take time each day to reflect on the specific blessings in your life. Consider the people, experiences, and material possessions that bring you joy and express gratitude for them. This can be done through prayer, meditation, or journaling.
4. Shift your perspective: In challenging situations, intentionally look for the positive aspects or lessons that can be learned. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, train your mind to find gratitude even in difficult circumstances.
5. Express gratitude to others: Make it a habit to thank and appreciate those around you. Take time to express gratitude to family members, friends, coworkers, and even strangers who have impacted your life in a positive way.
6. Practice gratitude in prayer: During your prayer time, intentionally express thanks to God for His goodness, faithfulness, and provision. Thank Him for answered prayers and for His presence in your life.
7. Serve others: Engage in acts of service and kindness towards others. When we serve and help others, it often leads to a greater sense of gratitude for the blessings we have been given.
8. Avoid comparison and entitlement: Be mindful of comparing yourself to others or falling into a sense of entitlement. Instead, focus on the unique blessings and opportunities you have been given and express gratitude for them.
Where would you be today if you didn’t have God in your life.
In reality that should be a scary thought.
In reality that should make you thankful.
