Sustaining an attitude of gratitude may seem difficult for many people. However, it is an attribute that we can develop no matter what our circumstances.
In my limited travels to developing nations ministering to the very poor, I have noticed thankfulness amidst great lack. Here is North America, we often struggle with being thankful while accumulating “more”, “better than we had before”, or “different than what someone else has.”
Consumerism pervades not just closets but hearts. If we aren’t careful, a sense of entitlement creeps in. “I’ve earned it!” or “I deserve better!” becomes the unspoken but underlying thought pattern.
Paul encourages us,
“Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Passion translation says, “in the midst of everything be always giving thanks.” It is impossible to sustain an attitude of gratitude “in all circumstances” if we haven’t developed a prayerful lifestyle of giving thanks.
People
An assignment recently required me to write a few notes to those who have inspired, motivated, or encouraged me along my spiritual or occupational journey. I had no trouble thinking of multiple people who
taught me new skills,
created opportunity for growth,
advocated for promotion,
allowed me to be vulnerable and authentic,
or picked me up after a major setback.
I am blessed! Does that mean life has been easy or people always treat me fairly, with honour and respect? Absolutely not!
“Healthy cultures embrace people where they are
but they also nudge them
and sometimes even push them to get better.”
– Dr. Henry Cloud
I am thankful for those who have “nudged” and “pushed” me “to get better” even if it wasn’t comfortable at the time.
Paul wrote to a very unhealthy congregation at Corinth, yet he said,
“I always thank my God for you
because of his grace given you
in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 1:4
As I mentor women living under high-pressure, dysfunctional, and even abusive situations, I exhort them to search for the “straws of good” in others. I’m not expecting them to ignore the reality, but rather inspire an attitude of gratitude.
Gratitude includes displaying thankfulness through words and actions. It isn’t long before these women come up with several things which they can genuinely give thanks for.
Circumstances
It is unreasonable to give thanks “for” everything that is thrown our way, but completely possible to maintain an attitude of gratitude “in” everything we are facing.
I have never experienced extreme persecution for my faith, like millions of others. Paul did. He gives a summary: “hard pressed, crushed, perplexed, in despair, persecuted and struck down” (2 Cor 4:7-9). Add to that, in prison, flogged, exposed to death, lashed, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, and constantly in danger (2 Cor 11:23-28)
My life looks easy in comparison. Yours probably does too. Yet, listen to his perspective.
“All this is for your benefit,
so that the grace that is reaching
more and more people may cause thanksgiving
to overflow to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:15
God’s grace works through every circumstance for His glory. That alone is reason enough for overflowing thankfulness.
I have enough years behind me to view life’s hazards through the lens of grace and thanksgiving. The tough times exposed ungodly attitudes and tendencies in me that otherwise would have continued to cloud my character. God uses the pressures of life to reveal and then refine. For that I am thankful.
God
A true attitude of gratitude rests in thankfulness toward God. The writer’s of scripture continually penned their recognition and appreciation for God and His great mercy and kindness.
“Praise the LORD.
Give thank to the LORD,
for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Psalm 106:1
Thankfulness naturally flows out of relationship with God. Yet even though God gives us ample reason to sustain an attitude of gratitude, David knew thankfulness comes from a decision of the will.
“I will give thanks to you, LORD,
with all my heart;
and tell of all your wonderful deed.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name,
O Most High.”
Psalm 9:1-2
The people of Israel experienced God’s blessing yet they adopted an “entitlement” culture as well. Paul encouraged the Colossians to remember it is all about Christ.
“… Be thankful.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you
richly as you teach and admonish one another
with all wisdom and through
psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit,
singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:15-17
Sowing and Reaping
Sowing and reaping works in every dimension of our lives — natural and spiritual. If I want to reap thankfulness, I must plant seeds of gratitude in the ordinary activities of my day. Here are a few examples:
- Speak – Tell people how thankful you are for them and the impact they are having on your life. Don’t assume they know.
- Journal – Challenge yourself to journal one thing you appreciate every day for a hundred days.
- Pray – Like David, make the decision to praise and thank God for His goodness and grace. Don’t let your prayer time slip into a list of selfish wants. Recognize God’s presence and His grace in your life.
- Memorize – Search out key verses of scripture about thankfulness and “hide them in your heart” through memorization.
- Rethink – It only takes 3 seconds to change a negative thought into a positive one. So lighten the gloom by re-programing your mind toward appreciation.
- Accountability – Ask two or three friends to hold you accountable as you reshape your character into one of gratitude.
Even small steps go a long way in creating an attitude of gratitude. The reward will be a new perspective on how you view people, circumstances and even God. As you plant the seeds of gratitude in your own life, don’t be surprised if you hear those around you express their appreciation more freely as well.
“…Express your thankfulness regularly.
If you pray, offer prayers of gratitude.
Second fall more in love with the Giver
than you ever do with his gifts.
Third, never claim full credit for your story.
Acknowledge the role of grace and providence
publicly when you talk.”
– Carey Nieuwhof
Thankful
My paternal grandmother died of cancer leaving her young children behind. My grandfather was a rough man who found it difficult to express kindness. Yet my father and all his siblings developed a contagious sense of humour and an ease in conveying appreciation. Living with a mean-spirited father in the absence of a nurturing mother did not hinder them from creating and sustaining an attitude of gratitude.
My father generously passed on the heritage of thanksgiving to his children, of which I am a beneficiary. Though giving “thanks in all circumstances” is not always easy, I am thankful for the example he established.
Those seeds of thankfulness my father planted in me, I now want to invest in my children, grandchildren, and those I influence. Let’s pass it forward!
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