An Attitude of Gratitude

Last week, we celebrated Thanksgiving, a time to reflect upon God’s goodness and be thankful for all that He has blessed us with.  But the attitude and spirit of thanksgiving that we share on Thanksgiving Day itself, should not only be reflected in our lives at just certain times of the year. 

Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”  Our attitudes and actions should always carry a spirit of thanksgiving with them and we all have many things to be grateful and thankful for (No matter what your situation may be). Did you eat today?  Did you sleep in a nice warm bed last night? Are you clothed?  Do you have eyes to see and ears to hear (Which many people do not have)? Can you walk?  Did God bless you with all your limbs (There are many people in wheelchairs and on crutches today)?

Will this presidential election be the most important in American history?

Yes

No

Submit Vote

Have you been blessed to live in the greatest country on the face of the earth, which God has shed His grace upon?  Has the Lord blessed you with a family (Psalm 127:3)?  I could go on and on.  If you have said yes to any one of these, you are truly blessed!   

I know that often times it is easier to complain than not to complain; and it’s easier to see that which is wrong in your life than to be grateful for that which is right.  It’s the pebble in our shoe that we pay more attention to, rather than the fact that we are actually walking.  My point in all this is to always count your many blessings no matter how small you think they may be (I Thessalonians 5:18).  You never thank the Lord so much for your health as when you’re feeling sick (Psalm 103:2-3).  You never thank the Lord so much for the heat in your home until you go outside during the winter and you are freezing.  You never appreciate having a car so much as when yours decides to break down. You get the point. 

If you look at men and women in other countries, for example, who receive a Bible begin to weep, or who are starving, or live in war ridden areas and countries, who are always being persecuted for their faith (John 15:20-21), it tends to give you a different perspective on life.  

So, as we move away from Thanksgiving and back to the normal routine of our lives, let us always remember to be thankful for everything the Lord has blessed us with.  “Thanksgiving” in our lives and an attitude of gratitude should be taking place in us all throughout the entire year. And if you’re still feeling like you need a lesson in thankfulness, read Psalm 103 in its entirety and remember, bless the Lord O my soul!