What is the state of being grateful?
Gratitude isn’t just whimsical optimism, a warming mindset, pretending, or a forced smile in the rear-view mirror; it’s the ultimate way we align ourselves with God and approach our problems. To be thankful, in a sense, is to transact with the Father where we exchange our grievances and offenses for peace, praise, and declarations of His goodness; hence, why a daily dose of Psalms can be such a powerful unlock for the believer. Life may be hard, but glory hallelujah, God is on the throne! I’m stuck in the muck, I’m down and struggling to get up. But bless the Lord, oh my soul, all things are possible through Him.
This notion ties into one of the great beauties of thanksgiving in that it’s one of the quickest positive decisions you can ever make. All you have to do is align your heart, open your mouth, and give the Spirit access to elevate those points of gratitude within you.
I’m reminded of one of Tony Robbins’ quotes on the subject:
“When you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance appears.”
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Just let that sink in a little. You may feel you’re running on empty with no margin to give or receive. You may be overwhelmed by the voids in your life. Yet, when you choose to give thanks, you’re instantly eroding fear and creating room for the transcendental to fill in the gaps.
For some of us, this time of year begins a brutal five-week stretch as we reacquaint ourselves with what’s missing in life. While we can’t change the past and undo the losses, we can change the way we relate to our losses, the person we’re becoming in Christ. And for this I am infinitely grateful.
In closing, I encourage you to consider Colossians 3:17 (MSG) and Hebrews 12:28 (MSG) and the ways they relate to each other.
“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” ~ Colossians 3:17
“Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” ~ Hebrews 12:28
May the truth of God’s love mark your homes and families as we relish Thanksgiving and embark on a new Advent season.
Cover graphic creds: Freepik
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