The Gratitude Attitude
“What if you woke up this morning and had only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” - Max Lucado
What a sobering thought. With busy schedules, family functions, shopping lists, and more, we often lose track of time. Before we know it, the day is gone, and we haven’t taken a moment to talk to God or thank Him for the blessings He has so graciously given us.
It’s never intentional. We don’t mean to be ungrateful, but our commitment to busy often leaves little time to express our gratitude.
JOURNAL: What did you thank God for yesterday? What have you thanked Him for today?
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. - Psalm 107:1, 15-22 NIV
As thought-provoking as Max Lucado’s statement is, I love that God doesn’t operate that way. In this passage from Psalms, even the fools who rebelled against what they know to be right found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Their sin was not without consequence, but God rescued them when they cried out to Him and healed them when they were near death. He’s a merciful God who is worthy of our praise.
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. - Psalm 34:1-10 NLT
I believe what Max Lucado was trying to say is that we should live like our gratitude dictates tomorrow. We should approach each day with praise on our lips and thankfulness in our hearts. Just as we would thank a friend for a gift, we should thank God for the gift of life, family, friends, and salvation. We should express our appreciation for the little blessings we encounter each day, whether it’s a simple “thank you” whispered to Him as we enter our homes or when we hug a loved one.
God revels in the simplicity, but we tend to make it complicated. He’s not looking for grand gestures. He’d love us even if we never said a word. But He deserves our praise, so let’s show Him our gratitude each day.
ACTIVATION: Write a list of things you’re thankful for. This is something that is helpful each day to focus on the good things in your life. You’d be amazed at how it transforms your outlook on life.
PRAYER: Write a prayer of thanksgiving and include the things you wrote down in your list.
What a sobering thought. With busy schedules, family functions, shopping lists, and more, we often lose track of time. Before we know it, the day is gone, and we haven’t taken a moment to talk to God or thank Him for the blessings He has so graciously given us.
It’s never intentional. We don’t mean to be ungrateful, but our commitment to busy often leaves little time to express our gratitude.
JOURNAL: What did you thank God for yesterday? What have you thanked Him for today?
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. - Psalm 107:1, 15-22 NIV
As thought-provoking as Max Lucado’s statement is, I love that God doesn’t operate that way. In this passage from Psalms, even the fools who rebelled against what they know to be right found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Their sin was not without consequence, but God rescued them when they cried out to Him and healed them when they were near death. He’s a merciful God who is worthy of our praise.
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. - Psalm 34:1-10 NLT
I believe what Max Lucado was trying to say is that we should live like our gratitude dictates tomorrow. We should approach each day with praise on our lips and thankfulness in our hearts. Just as we would thank a friend for a gift, we should thank God for the gift of life, family, friends, and salvation. We should express our appreciation for the little blessings we encounter each day, whether it’s a simple “thank you” whispered to Him as we enter our homes or when we hug a loved one.
God revels in the simplicity, but we tend to make it complicated. He’s not looking for grand gestures. He’d love us even if we never said a word. But He deserves our praise, so let’s show Him our gratitude each day.
ACTIVATION: Write a list of things you’re thankful for. This is something that is helpful each day to focus on the good things in your life. You’d be amazed at how it transforms your outlook on life.
PRAYER: Write a prayer of thanksgiving and include the things you wrote down in your list.
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1 Comment
Such a perfect and sweet reminder for gratitude for the most amazing blessings He has given us! ???