Biblical Gratefulness

The Bible teaches us to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Too often, being grateful in all circumstances is confused with being grateful for all circumstances. The difference, though subtle, can profoundly impact our ability to deal with life’s difficulties.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1).

Until He became the Object of my gratefulness, I would continue to be susceptible to disappointment. I was wrong to be grateful for the earthly present & the future I’d imagined, rather than the true and real presence of God.

Biblical gratefulness says, “Thank you for holding my hand through this pain.” God wants us to give thanks in the midst of our suffering, not for anything else, but for who He is now. Grief and suffering sharpen our focus on the Lord and deepen our relationship with Him.

The grateful have learned to stop holding out their hands expecting compensation for their trials. Rather, they wrap their arms around the One who wants to hold them, love them, and comfort them today. Though the world rages around them, the grateful enjoy the warmth of His fellowship, with no expectation other than the enduring compassion of our Lord.

Biblical gratefulness thanks God for the future He promises, rather than demanding a future we’ve envisioned. Pain, grief, and disappointment are guaranteed to those who breathe. Yet from our scars, God builds character. Paul writes, “. . . but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” ( Rom. 5:3-4).

God uses trials to cleanse and transform us so we can face even greater challenges. Paul continues, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed” (Rom. 8:18-19).

The blood, tears, and betrayals of this life will vanish like a sand castle challenging the mighty ocean when our eyes finally gaze upon our Savior. On that day, sorrow will have no hold on us. The grateful anticipate the glorious future God promises.

When Biblical gratefulness infuses our daily routine, we gain strength for life’s inevitable blows.

Be honest about your sorrows (pain, confusion, discouragement, disillusionment) and thank God for who He is. Honesty with God transforms shallow, self-serving prayers into intimate, life-changing conversations with the Father.

A deeper understanding of God protects us from expecting that which God never promised, but gives us hope for a future greater than we can imagine.

Posted by Will Ravelob at the PHIAA e-group