A Good Attitude is Gratitude

  

I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks...” At first glance this seems impossible. How can we possibly give thanks to God in everything, at all times, and in every situation?

The truth is there is a huge benefit for any of us who learn, by faith, to be grateful. It’s an attitude that we must develop if we are ever to become grounded believers. Being thankful helps focus on God rather than our circumstances.

It is no test of faith to rejoice and shout when the sun is shining and when all is well. We must learn to be thankful when all is not so well. That’s faith! It’s the example of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They were in prison! They were uncertain of what the next day might bring, and yet the scriptures tell us “...at midnight, they prayed and sang praises to God”. They were giving thanks to the Lord who held them in His care.

So here is my challenge for you today: When your world turns upside down, thank God-when sickness visits your house, thank God. When hard times put you down, when bad times knock you down, when rough times hold you down, when tough times just keep on coming, thank God! Just keep on praising God in the ups and downs of life. This is the mark of a grounded believer.

“Be thankful unto Him and bless His name”, Psalm 100:4. Why is this important? Because God can turn things around! He can take what looks like a defeat and turn it into a victory. God can turn disaster into triumph. God can turn rottenness into sweetness. It’s not always easy, but we can learn to truly give thanks–in everything!


The Pastor’s Pocket
Pastor Bruce Freeman

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