Thankfulness Changes Everything
How does thankfulness enable others to see the glory of God?
What motivates thankfulness? Is a thankful heart only present when good things happen and life goes our way? What about when things aren’t going well or we’re going through hard times; what role does thankfulness play then? Thankfulness can enable others to see the glory of God.
Psalm 50:23 – But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.
We’ve all had those friends, or maybe even our children, who have a hard time being thankful. Maybe they have been dealt some tough blows so you can understand why they may be struggling. But when their conversations turn into constant negativity, I tend to shy away from spending time with them, or at least give up trying to encourage them to find something to be thankful for.
Conversely, I have other friends who have dealt with unimaginable loss, pain, heart-ache, long-term difficulties, and tragedies and yet continue to be filled with gratitude — even being thankful for the horrible adversity they have suffered. They remain so blessed and grateful in their everyday walk that you can easily see the glory of God and their faith in God as they journey through life.
Isaiah 12:4 – In that wonderful day you will sing: Thank the Lord! Praise His name! Tell the nations what He has done. Let them know how mighty He is!
Recently I had a conversation with one of my adult children who was wrestling with some major life decisions and feeling very overwhelmed with the unsettled situation. I reminded them to find at least one thing in the day to be thankful for (something we used to do at the dinner table each night before our children could talk about the things that went wrong in their school day). Additionally, I encouraged my child to remember that a simple prayer is always calming. When you give your difficult situations to God, it takes the pressure off of you. If you tried and did your best, that’s all you can do; let God do the rest!
The more thankful I am in all of life circumstances, the more ‘different’ I become and God is reflected in me. I have found with my adult children, and even my grandchildren, that I am the constant cheerleader reminding them of how blessed we are and how remaining thankful in ALL circumstances makes each day a lot easier (I Thessalonians 5:18). Being a thankful person helps the world we are living in see our faith and want to know why we are different.
1 Chronicles 16:8 – Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His Greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.
Thankfulness really does change everything and allows those around us to the see the glory of God.
Lori Moore has served the ministries of Growing Families (National Ministry Coordinator) and Christian Family Heritage (Volunteer Ministry Coordinator) for more than 15 years. Growing up in the Midwest, Lori and her husband, Joe (and doggie Sophie) make their home in Burlington, IA. Lori is an advocate for many — volunteering her time, talents and treasures to impact the lives of other people. Lori loves spending her time with her grandchildren, children, friends, extended family and her community. Lori enjoys traveling with her husband, walking her dog, and loving and serving people.
Lisa Drinnan
Being Thankful keeps our focus on God and His Goodness.
Even in Hard Times – We even more so Have to Give Thanks- For God is With Us in the Pain- Sadness- loneliness- Grief-loss- Discouragement.