The happiest, most grateful, contented, and generous people I know are those who are perpetually thankful. They don't need a holiday or an excuse or any kind of prompting; gratitude comes naturally to them.
What is their secret? Actually, it's not a secret at all! The "formula" has been around for thousands of years and is translated into thousands of languages.
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!" (Psalm 118:1)
As Christians, disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God changes our hearts. I am changed, and I'm still being changed. I was, by nature, selfish, self-serving and ungrateful. I gave no thought to the idea that God loved me and wanted to bless my life in ways that only He could. I had the unrealistic expectation that others were responsible for making me happy and satisfied. When things didn't go my way, others were to blame. When I was pleased with life, it was I who deserved the applause. I was rarely content and not inclined to generosity.
It wasn't until I confronted my sinful selfishness and spiritual cynicism, asking God to forgive me and change me, that I began to experience my greatest inspiration for an attitude of gratitude. "For God so loved (me) that He gave (me) His only begotten Son, that if (I) would believe in Him (I) would not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent His Son (to me), not to condemn (me), but that through Him (I) might have eternal life!" (John 3:16-17 my paraphrase)
Gratitude to God comes naturally to those who are a new creation in Christ Jesus. And as we mature in our faith through a deeper appreciation of ALL God has done, is doing and has promised to do in our lives, our thankfulness in ALL things increases! Whether times are good or bad, His steadfast love endures forever! When I'm faithful and even when I fail, His steadfast love endures forever! Whether I'm in a time of plenty or a time of want, His steadfast love endures forever! In good health, in bad health...in life and in death...His love endures forever!
Do you have a natural attitude of gratitude? If not, I want to recommend a book for you to read. It's been a best-seller for a long time. It has radically changed the lives of millions of people. It is a life-changer, life-saver, and could change the world if more people read and believed it. It has 66 "little books" within it. I usually recommend people start with the one titled, "The Gospel According to John."
Don't have a Bible to read? I've been very blessed, and I'm very thankful! So, if you ask me for one, I'll gladly give you one! To me, it's only natural!
MARK VOLL IS PASTOR OF THE VILLAGE BIBLE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH IN BELLA VISTA. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR.
Religion on 11/22/2017