'Gratitude Changes People'

The great theologian Willie Nelson observed, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”

Grateful living is key to following Jesus. Paul wrapped up his letter to the Thessalonians writing, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” (I Thess 5:14-19) Paul preceded those verses with, “Always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks enable us to do good to each other and opens us to the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that ungrateful lives ‘quench the Spirit’. Gratitude gives space and joy for the Spirit of God to work in us. Focusing on what is true, good, and beautiful enlarges our hearts toward others and opens the door for a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever been in an unhappy work situation, or had difficulties with parents, spouse, or children? Have you experienced injustice, being demeaned, ignored, or overlooked? The phrase “in all circumstances” reminds us that while we can't always control our circumstances, we can control our thoughts, our hearts, and our gratitude. It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy.

Take a moment to think of one thing you are really grateful for. Thank God for it. Tell God the many reasons why you are grateful for that. Take a deep breath and enjoy the blessing once again. How did that make you feel? I do this quite frequently. It always makes me feel better, more peaceful, more whole. Do you look at your life through the lens of thanksgiving? Melody Beattie wisely noted "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." William Arthur Ward similarly reflected, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

Grateful for who God is and His many blessings to me,

Jonathan