(1 Thess. 5:18) “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

What exactly do we mean by the phrase “An Attitude of Gratitude”?

An Attitude of Gratitude is “A Lifestyle of Appreciation for the Gift of Life.” It is a willingness in our hearts to express in a tangible way, our appreciation for the life that God has given us to live. This includes the big things and the little things, the good things and the bad things, that make up our lives. It’s an awareness that just being alive is an awesome thing, not to be taken lightly, or for granted. An Attitude of Gratitude helps us to see life from a different perspective. It allows us to see life from God’s perspective, rather than ours. Being thankful should be a lifestyle for the child of God, rather than a holiday that we celebrate once a year.

(Hebrews 13:15-16) says “By Him ( Jesus ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name. (16 ) But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

I want you to notice that it takes effort to have an Attitude of Gratitude.

This lifestyle does not just happen, (1) It is cultivated; (2) It is communicating to others where you stand in relationship to God.

The writer of Hebrews continued in Hebrews 13:16, ” For with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ”

The previous devotion, “An Attitude of Gratitude – Part One,” presented:

I. Characteristics of People with an Attitude of Gratitude:

1. People who have an Attitude of Gratitude are satisfied and content with life.
2. People who have an Attitude of Gratitude are not stressed out.
3. People who have an Attitude of Gratitude are full of Joy.

In this second devotion on An Attitude of Gratitude the following is presented:

II. An Attitude of Gratitude is an Issue of The Heart:

Where does the Attitude of Gratitude begin? The Attitude of Gratitude begins with the heart that has been redeemed or forgiven. It is what God has done in your heart and mind that keeps you overflowing with the “thank-you’s” to people and toGod for the gift of life1

First, A person whose heart is filled with an Attitude of Gratitude understands that thankfulness is not dependent on good circumstances.

People with this attitude believe that it’s possible to do exactly what the Bible says:

(1 Thess. 5:18) “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

They don’t believe the lie that life has to be on the upswing before they can be satisfied. Even in the midst of the most difficult situations, they truly believe they can find something to rejoice over. Let me ask you – do you believe that about your life? Do you believe that you have everything you need right now to be joyful? That’s the key to an Attitude of Gratitude. I’m talking about a realistic approach that readily admits, “The situation is not good right now, but I can find something to appreciate about my life.”

Let me give you an example. Let’s say a person with an attitude of gratitude discovers they’re going to lose their job. Here’s what goes on in their heart. Initially they think: “This is devastating news. It’s going to change life as I know it. It’s going to set me back financially.” But soon, they begin to focus on the big picture: “I might lose my house, but I still have my family. My ego might be hurt, but I’m not going to die. My employer has rejected me, but God still loves me.” And they choose to let their appreciation for the positive things rule their emotions, instead of the pain and the bitterness over the loss of the job.

I’m not saying that’s an easy thing to do. But that’s where the second observation comes into play.

Second, A person whose heart is filled with an Attitude of Gratitude views hard times with God’s Divine purpose in mind.

God is trying to accomplish something in the life of each of His children. The Bible illustrates this perspective when it says, (Jas 1:2-4) “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3)  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  (4)  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”.

What is James saying? “Be thankful, even for the troubles, because good things can come from them; there can be a higher purpose – the growth of patience and of a character that’s strong and full and complete – a higher purpose to your hard times, If … you choose to believe it.”

Where do you get the strength to adopt this view? It comes from an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Third, A person whose heart is filled with an Attitude of  Gratitude knows what God has done for them through Jesus Christ.

The Bible says that there’s no way to pay what we owe. But God stepped in; and He paid a debt for us that we could not pay:

(1 Peter 1:18-19) (18) “For as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19 ) But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot”

When a person really understands that God loves them enough to die for them, gratitude will overwhelm them. Jesus spoke in terms of love and forgiveness, but he could have just as easily expressed it in terms of gratitude.

Fourth, A person whose heart is filled with an Attitude of Gratitude understands, “I am indebted to someone else for every good thing I have.”

“I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” (Romans 1:14)

Every time you and I succeed, it’s because someone else set us up, and people with an attitude of gratitude never forget that. I know that it’s never ever been “all up to me.”

Now, some of you might be skeptical of that, but think about it: the minute we’re born, we already owe someone for nine months of room and board! With a little effort, you can always discover the people to whom you are indebted. For example, if you’re physically attractive, thank your parents. If you’re educated, thank your teachers and the taxpayers. If you’re wealthy, thank the people who had enough faith in you to buy your product, or to give you a job.

And if you’re not attractive, educated, or wealthy, but you’re alive – thank the plant life that produces the oxygen you breathe, and then thank the God of the universe who put them here in the first place.

III. Developing An Attitude of Gratitude.

First, Live to celebrate life and be thankful.

We need to learn to celebrate life. Life is too short and too precious to waste with an ungrateful attitude. God gave us life to enjoy our time here on this earth (John 10:10).

If you are able to get out of bed and do your daily chores, you need to celebrate. Trust me, I’ve been where I couldn’t do that. If you have biscuits and gravy to eat, you need to celebrate. If you have a roof over your head, you need to celebrate. There are people in this world that are not as fortunate as we are.

Second, Reflect on what you have to be thankful for… not what you don’t have.

Set aside some time everyday, or one day a week, and brainstorm a list of what you are thankful for.

Third, Say thanks for all that God has blessed you with.

Say it for everything you can think of. The more you do it, the more you’ll develop an attitude of gratitude.

Fourth, Start today… not when things look better.

Many say, “I will develop an attitude of gratitude when things get better.” Folks, I am going to let you in on a little secret. It may get worse before it get’s better. We need to remember what the Psalmist said:

(Psa 118:24) “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

This is the day to celebrate, to reflect and to say thanks. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Not even the day after. The time is now and the choice is ours.