The Power of Gratitudeಮಾದರಿ

"In All Circumstances"

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)

It’s important to understand that in this verse God is emphasizing gratitude, the principle of being thankful, but there’s a key many of us miss. The verse says to give thanks “in everything,” not “for everything.”

Why is this important? Because not every circumstance we face is from God.

There is an enemy that comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus came to bring life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10). If we thank God for every circumstance in life, then we can fall into the trap of thanking God for things like death, loss, or destruction when that is the work of the enemy, not God.

When we learn to stay grateful in every circumstance, for what God’s done, what He’s doing, and what He will do, it keeps our minds clear and focused on Him. A thankful heart stays clean and centered on the Lord, and that’s where seeds of faith grow into a harvest.

I like to look at gratitude as a discipline, and something I am continually practicing as a lifestyle. I will randomly stop throughout my day and tell God things I’m thankful for, and I start almost all my prayers doing this.

If this is something that you have struggled with, it’s okay. You can start cultivating an attitude of gratitude today.

Here are 3 tips for stewarding a grateful heart:

• Journal about what you're thankful for. This will help you cultivate a thankful heart.
• Take a few minutes to thank God for what He has already done during your prayer time.
• Set reminders on your phone, or post-it notes somewhere visible, reminding you to verbalize your gratitude to God.

These simple tips will begin to renew your mind and empower you to walk with God in an attitude of gratitude.

Prayer: Lord, let Your grace empower me to discern what is the work of the enemy and what is Your work in my life, and God help me stay grateful in all circumstances.