Having a Heart of Gratitude

“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

One thing that I have learned over the years is that life is full of surprises. I am always amazed at how quickly our circumstances can change, especially when we least expect it. Growing up I did not like change. I was the child that would cry when my mom would decide to suddenly rearrange the furniture in the house because I liked things just the way they were. So you can imagine my devastation when my parents told me at age 13 that our family would be moving to another city. Little did I know that just a year after that move we would move again and then I would move three more times after that in just a matter of five years. It was then that God began doing a work in my heart to teach me that my joy is not dependent on my circumstances but rather on Him. Through God’s love and grace in my life I am continually learning the lesson to give thanks in everything because we know that in all things God is at work for our good (Romans 8:28).

Recently the Lord has allowed a trial into our family’s lives with the changes regarding Cooper’s job. It has brought about many uncertainties and questions but we realize that it is just another opportunity for us to trust God. My thanksgiving in all circumstances whether good or bad is a response to the trustworthiness of God. I know that God is sovereign, wise, and good and that I can trust Him so therefore I can have thanksgiving in whatever circumstance comes my way. The Lord has been faithful to teach me that in every circumstance (whether big or small) I can choose to respond in two ways: I can whine and complain and be in despair or I can worship. I can’t worship without giving thanks. Sometimes it is easy for me to remember to trust God and be thankful in the big things but what about when my two year old spills all his juice on the floor right after I mopped or when I work hard to get everyone dressed, fed, and out of the house by a certain time and the baby spits up all over me as soon as we walk out the door. As silly as it may sound these too are opportunities for me to trust that God has allowed this in my life and to give thanks. I can be thankful that I have a two year old to clean up after and what if God allowed that baby to spit up on me so that we would avoid being in a car accident by just being 5 minutes later. We don’t always see the big picture and therefore we must remember that God does and He works all things together for His glory and our good.

In his gospel, Luke tells the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus (Luke 17:11-19). In the story all ten of the lepers cried out to be healed and all ten were healed by the power of Christ but only one came back to Jesus to thank Him. How often are we like the other nine lepers who asked for God’s help but are forgetful to give Him thanks? Our problem is deeper than just forgetfulness but we have a spirit of ingratitude because of the sinful nature within us. We must cultivate a new spirit of gratitude, which the Holy Spirit has given us at the time of our salvation. So we are to remember that we must give thanks in all circumstances, both the good and the bad. In his book “Trusting God” Jerry Bridges writes,

“To derive the fullest comfort and encouragement from Romans 8:28- and thus to give thanks in all circumstances- we must realize that God is at work in a preactive, not reactive, fashion. That is, God does not just respond to an adversity in our lives to make the best of a bad situation. He knows before He initiates or permits the adversity exactly how He will use it for our good.”

I find it comforting knowing that whatever God allows into my life is under the control of His sovereign hand.

Ultimately my gratitude begins with the undeserved grace of God in my life through Jesus Christ. Is the gratitude that flows out of my life as abounding as the grace that has flowed into my life? I can choose gratitude in all things because of what Christ did for me on the cross. My life is not my own and I desire more than anything to glorify God with my life and this begins with choosing gratitude for the circumstances He allows me to face. I know that through these circumstances He is forming me to be more like Him if I allow Him too. Sadly, I fail so often at being thankful in all things, especially when something doesn’t go my way or is difficult. However, I am thankful that God’s mercies are new each morning and I pray that each day I would choose to glorify God by having a heart of gratitude for every little and big thing that He allows into my life. It is through this heart of gratitude that I will find true joy!

How about you? Are you thankful for the circumstances that God has allowed you to be in right now? Whether you are in the most wonderful or difficult of circumstances remember to give thanks to God. He loves you and has allowed you to be in the place you are in because it is ultimately for your good and His glory. Trust Him because He cares for you.
I will leave you with the words of Nancy Leigh DeMoss in her book “Choosing Gratitude”:

“Over time choosing gratitude means choosing joy. But that choice doesn’t come without effort and intentionality. It’s a choice that requires constantly renewing my mind with the truth of God’s Word, setting my heart to savor God and His gifts, and disciplining my tongue to speak words that reflect His goodness and grace- until a grateful spirit becomes my reflexive response to all of life.”

Thankful for the work God is doing in my heart through my circumstances! Love you all!

Brooke