BY DONALD BRYAN
Thanksgiving can change your life! More than just a holiday in November and a family meal, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to transform lives from those of griping and dissatisfaction to lives of joy and gratitude. God wants nothing more than for us to be people of thanksgiving and gratitude. A thankful spirit is one of the key distinguishing marks of a Christian because Psalms 118:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good…”
Being a grateful person can increase your personal happiness. Most people think their happiness is determined by circumstances or how well things go for them. But happiness is determined by attitude. No matter how difficult some circumstances are, with God’s help there will always be something to be thankful for.
Being a grateful person can also improve your witness for God. We attract people with our spirit of gratitude because so many in the world are so discouraged. I Peter 2:12 says for us to live such good lives among the lost that they will see your good deeds and glorify God. Living a life of thankfulness will attract the lost.
Being a grateful person will also enhance your relationships. Whether in marriage or church relationships, grateful people are more attractive to others and live better lives. People are attracted to those with a good spirit.
Being grateful will solidify your relationship with God. Someone once said that God lives in two places. He lives in heaven and in a humble, grateful heart. Hebrews 12:25 says, “Let us please God by serving Him with thankful hearts.”
How do you develop a thankful heart? First, remember that everything we have comes from God. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Second, we need to avoid complaining because it is the archenemy of thanksgiving. Lastly, develop the daily discipline of giving thanks. Find something each day to be thankful for and express it to God.
I read recently that if you have food to eat, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, twenty dollars in your pocket and a place to sleep, you are richer than 80% of the world. Let me be thankful and grateful. Thankful hearts please God.
THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED BY THE LOUISIANA CHALLENGER, NOVEMBER 2003, PAGE TWO. THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.
