Gratitude Attitude!
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
If you enjoy seeing science validate the teachings of Scripture,
search for “health benefits of gratitude” on the Internet. Links to
study after study will appear, describing all the health benefits—
physical health as well as emotional health—of living with an
“attitude of gratitude.”
What's the biblical teaching on gratitude? Paul says it succinctly:
“In everything give thanks; for this, along with rejoicing and praying,
is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
The most important thing to notice about Paul’s words is that he
doesn’t say to give thanks for everything, but in everything. Paul
wouldn’t expect us to give thanks for some painful event or an
evil
person’s actions in our life or in the world.
Rather, we can be thankful that God is sovereign over everything,
that God can cause all things to work together for our good when
we belong to Him. We're grateful in every circumstance because
God uses it to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29).
Try it today. Be grateful to God in every circumstance
and take note of the difference it makes in your life.
"I give it as my testimony that
there is a marvelous therapy
in thanksgiving."
John Blanchard
