Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I will give thanks to you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
A grateful heart is a peaceful heart. A person who looks at life in an optimistic manner is to be admired and imitated. What are the things that you can be grateful for in your life? I advocate for taking account of our blessings regularly. Don’t miss the many opportunities that arise in your day to praise God. A chance to linger over your coffee or tea in the morning is a blessing. A kind word from a friend or stranger is your Father appearing in your life with His encouragement. A child’s smile or a bird singing in the trees can always be an emotional lift, when we acknowledge that God is the giver of every perfect gift.
One of the downsides of our present culture is the impulse to jump to negative feelings too quickly. Blaming others for our problems or struggles is not going to bring us peace. Being able to accept personal responsibility for our life choices (and their outcomes) is one of the hallmarks of true maturity.
Resentments that are allowed to pile up inside of us can lead to a root of bitterness. A root of bitterness can be quickly defined as an issue that grows up to cause trouble to many. Negativity is somewhat contagious! Instead, one solution would be to take the straightforward approach. If you have grievances against someone, take the time to thoughtfully consider your words, then ask them for a moment to speak honestly with them. Many times, others are not aware of the hurt we are feeling, and a quick, honest conversation may improve the situation rapidly.
Christians are warned against allowing bitter feelings to grow. Forgiveness is another fix to the root of bitterness. Be quick to forgive and keep no record of wrongs. There are times when you may not be able to have that conversation with someone and it is best to move towards forgiveness anyway, for your own well-being. These are biblical solutions to age old relationship problems that affect all people. Choose the high road, be the first to forgive. You will experience peace and confidence as these God-approved choices begin to take root and flourish in your life.
A grateful heart is a hopeful heart. Choose to be hopeful and resist the temptation to look at the gloomy side of your circumstances. A grateful heart remembers God is still in control and He is working things out for your good. Circumstances will always change in our lives. If things are great, they won’t stay that way. But the best part of that concept is that if things are tough, they won’t stay that way either! Keep your hope up, maybe all that is needed is for some time to pass for things to resolve.
A grateful heart is joyfully expectant. A grateful heart will still sense the doubt that shows up at the door, but we can choose to remain expectant that God is still making a way for us. He has not abandoned us nor forsaken us; we can continue to trust Him expectantly waiting and watching for His solutions. We can truly be content with what we have while waiting. This kind of watchful hope while waiting brings us peace. This is the secret of being content when living in want. We can know that God is still on the throne and we are not alone, He sees us and He is always faithful.
A false kind of happiness can be briefly obtained by obtaining more possessions or more money. However, we can only dwell in true contentment by holding onto a grateful heart. With more things and more possessions also comes more trouble and more maintenance. Allow yourself to settle into a grateful heart and enjoy the peace that comes with contentment with what we have and where we are, right now. There is a place for striving, and there is a place for patient perseverance in our present situation. This is a grateful heart in action.
When we can stop the worrying and fretting and just give thanks and praise to God for His faithfulness; we will find the beautiful peace that comes in living with a grateful heart. A grateful heart will not happen overnight, but we can learn to cultivate this way of living. Being grateful to God will always feel immensely better than resentment, unforgiveness or doubt. It is not an impossible choice; it is just a better choice. Turn your mind back to your blessings and praise God with your grateful heart.
Dear Lord, we prefer to always be grateful. We understand that we fall short when we allow ourselves to be lured into places of doubt, unforgiveness and resentment. Help us count our blessings, turn our eyes back on You and practice the contentment of living in plenty or in want. As we acknowledge the goodness you have placed in our lives, we will be naturally grateful. You are so generous and so patient with us, Father. Help us remember that a grateful heart is not silly or unsophisticated. It is truly an outgrowth of believing in you and your sovereignty in our lives. I choose to be grateful. Blessed be your name!
Because of Jesus,
Amen
