Gratitude is not just a polite “thank you” after receiving a gift.
However, saying thank you is important because it is like one of the characteristics of gratitude but gratitude goes deeper than that.
Consequently, if we are truly grateful to God, it most definitely has to affect the way we live our lives as believers.
Because true gratitude impacts in us the reasonability of presenting our bodies to God.
When a believer acknowledges God’s goodness, mercy, and sovereignty, gratitude naturally flows from their heart.
Bringing us to the point of daily offering of a heart, trusting the Father’s hands, even when we cannot completely trace His plans.
In a world that celebrates entitlement and frequently forgets the Giver in the pursuit of His blessings. The call to gratitude is not an option.
In fact, gratitude brings the believer to the point he starts seeing with a new lense.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude: Living a Life Anchored in Thanksgiving
Gratitude is one of the most powerful spiritual postures a believer can cultivate.
It is more than just a response to good circumstances or pleasant outcomes;
Gratitude is a foundational expression of faith, trust, and intimacy with God.
Consequently, gratitude says “God, I see You here. I may not understand everything, but I choose to honor You in it all.”
Yes, it has emotion in it but it is not just an emotion; it’s a decision and a discipline.
It’s a choice and a manner of life!!
And it is a spiritual practice that deepens our faith and aligns our hearts with heaven.
Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says we should give thanks in all circumstances for it is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.
Notice that he does not say to give thanks for all circumstances but in all circumstances.
Gratitude is not circumstantial; it is intentional.
It is the will of God because it keeps our eyes fixed on Him rather than on our problems.
Yes, I know it can be unsettling to be grateful even when things are not fine.
I mean, the natural thing is to get all moody, wearing our problem on our sleeve and sulking.
But then just like fasting, we get hungry when we fast but that doesn’t mean we should break our fast because we are hungry
Hunger is a natural reaction to fasting, the same way emotional imbalance is the “natural” reaction to unfavorable circumstances
But God wants to deal with us as sons, and on the path of sonship is the education by the Spirit that gratitude is a necessity irrespective of circumstances.
Gratitude Transforms the Heart
Gratitude shifts our focus. Instead of looking at what we lack, we begin to see what we have.
Therefore, anytime we are so hung on what we don’t have especially when there is no commensurate spiritual investment in that direction.
We slid into the deep, not into the deep of God but of self.
Invariably, gratitude repositions our hearts from complaining to thanking God for His benefits.
Because, more often than not complaining magnifies the problem; and it is our duty to fight as believers not complain.
Psalm 100:4 (NKJV) says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
So, with a grateful heart we can draw near to God and cultivate intimacy with Him.
Infact, gratitude is a weapon against anxiety.
It has a way of taking our minds off the chaos and anchors them in the peace of God.
Gratitude Births Contentment
The world oftentimes is filled with comparison and consumerism.
And like Solomon said “it is vanity and vexation of spirit”.
That’s why, contentment says, “I have enough because God is enough.”
Paul, who experienced both abundance and lack, wrote in Philippians 4:11 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances..how to abase and abound!!
Gratitude fuels contentment. At this point we stop striving and start resting in the provision and presence of God.
Ingratitude however, darkens the heart and clouds our judgment.
It makes us to be proud, have entitlement mentality, and to distance ourselves from God.
Forgetting where God picked us from, how He has reorganized our orderless lives.
Gave it a meaning and is still believing in the hope that our lives will bring Him glory.
In the wilderness, the Israelites grumbled against God despite the miracles they witnessed.
Their lack of gratitude and grumbling prolonged their journey and provoked God’s anger.
Grumbling is not just complaining; it is a form of rebellion. It says, “God, You are not doing enough for me.”
That’s why, gratitude doesn’t just acknowledge the gift; it honors the Giver.
Gratitude in Suffering
True gratitude is tested in adversity.
It’s easy and usually human nature to be thankful when life is good, but the real test comes when we walk through the valley.
Yet Scripture is clear that even in suffering, we are called to give thanks.
James 1:2-4 (NIV) says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Gratitude in trials is not denial; it is declaration.
It declares that God is still in control and that He is working all things for our good.
Sometimes, time which a big revealer eventually shows that we had no gratitude.
It was just the euphoria and false sense of excitement, we missed the real deal. God help us ooh!
Hence, gratitude is not a one-time act; it is a lifestyle.
It requires intentionality and discipline.
Thats why, when we cultivate gratitude as believers it helps us to align our hearts with the eternal worship of heaven.
We join the chorus that declares God’s worthiness, not because of what He does, but because of who He is.
Conclusion
Gratitude is not the absence of trouble but the presence of trust.
God also didn’t promise us the absence of trouble as believers.
John 16:33 butteresses that “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
It is a spiritual discipline that roots us deeply in the love, faithfulness, and sovereignty of God.
A grateful heart draws near to God, it silences the lies of the enemy, and it overflows with joy, peace, and contentment.
It is indeed an honour for our lives to reflect a continual offering of thanks to God.
Not just with our lips, but with our attitudes, actions, and trust in God.
You can check the article walking in the fullness of your calling
References
The Bible hub
Thebelievershub.com
