Gratitude

Today's focus was on gratitude. The most profound thing that I discovered in the devotional today was that gratitude does not come from receiving blessings. Blessings may lead us into gratitude but true gratitude comes from knowing who God is and delighting in his love and character. A thankful heart is the result of always knowing that God is worthy of praise -- no matter what your circumstances are.

Most people would admit that they've had "good days" and "bad days," but is that right? The rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous. Should we accept good things from God and not bad? The difference between a "good day" and a "bad day" is our perception. If we view everything in our life as bad or focus on just the negative things that happen to us, then we will live a hopeless life. But that is not the way it should be! Focus on all of the great things that are happening in the midst of the bad.

Do you remember when Elijah thought that he was the only one who still served God? "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me." But God knew more than Elijah did. "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."

We may find ourselves in a seemingly hopeless situation, but God knows more than we do! Amen. Be glad in the lord. "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say it: rejoice!" Thank God for who he is today. Thank Him for being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Who is greater than our God or more worthy of our thanks and praise?

Reflection Questions

Q: When you feel at the bottom of the food chain and dead last in terms of priority, how do you move toward gratitude?
A: I realize who I am and where my place is. It is entirely within God's fair choice to humble me through whatever means that He would choose. I am not the center of the universe and sometimes I forget that. But when I realize how small and insignificant I am, I am broken. It is here that God can speak to me and teach me His ways -- instead of my own or the ways of the world. When my focus is not on who I am in this world, I see who I am in Him -- a child of God, a brother of Christ, an heir to heaven. "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." God, use me, humble me, keep me in need of you and let me not trust in my own strength or understanding, but lead me in your ways. Amen

Q: How does your disposition influence your attitude toward gratitude?
A: When my focus is not on who I am in this world, I see who I am in Him -- a child of God, a brother of Christ, an heir to heaven. Then I have a lot to be thankful for. "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." It is amazing that God has invited us to call upon Him. He is not distant. How can we not be thankful for Him and all that He is?

This is my prayer: God, use me, humble me, keep me in need of you and let me not trust in my own strength or understanding, but lead me in your ways. Amen