In Luke 17, the story is told of ten lepers who cried out for help. As they went by faith to the priests, as instructed by Jesus, they realized they were healed. Rotting flesh suddenly became whole and sound! One of them was so overcome with gratitude that he ran back to find Jesus; to worship and to say, “Thank You!” Jesus marveled that he alone returned, wondering, “where are the other nine?!”
Give thanks In everything – 1 Thes. 5:18; for all things – Eph 5:20; for all men – 1 Tim 2:1. And Psalm 100 instructs us to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving; to be thankful to Him for His goodness! Given a review of these few verses, it seems that there is no time nor situation when we should not give thanks. Even in the face of tragedy or the most trying circumstances, we should thank God by faith. He is good and He is sovereign and never ceases to be so. So even when we can’t see past our pain, we can say through gritted teeth, “I thank You God by faith.” And thanksgiving and praise bring us into His presence!
Being thankful (Col 3:15) This requires a humility that acknowledges, I deserve nothing, and I own nothing. Paul wrote to every disciple he’d crossed paths with, “I thank my God every time I remember you,” 1 Cor 1:14, Eph 1:16, Phil 1:3, Col 1:3. Can you say that about the people in your life? Consider how unique each of them is and the joy they give you. They are gifts! God delights in our freely enjoying those gifts, but He wonders, “where are the others to give thanks?” We easily take all God’s blessings for granted especially if we want for nothing.
A Debt. We are bound – 2 Thes. 1:3, 2:13. This scripture captures the idea that gratitude is a debt. In Yoruba, my native language, there’s a proverb that says, ‘a person who fails to give thanks might as well have robbed you of your treasure.’ Can you think of anyone who you went to great lengths to help or serve who simply took the favor with delight but neglected to express thanks? How did you feel? Robbed? That’s why we teach our kids as soon as they can talk, “What do you say?” “Thank you.” “Good!”
Thanksgiving and Prayer: One of the easiest ways to practice gratitude, is in prayer. Philippians 4:6 coaches us through anxiety. First, don’t be anxious; pray about everything; be specific in your requests; and pray with thanksgiving. As we saw earlier, in the account of the lepers, we ought to thank God for answers to prayer. Luke 17:16. We can also thank God by faith for future answers to prayer. 1 John 5:14,15 states clearly that if we ask for anything that is in accordance with God’s will, we are guaranteed to receive it. By faith we can also trust God enough to thank Him for withheld answers to prayer since we do not know how to pray perfectly (Romans 8:26). Our relationship with God should be a thank fest, making melody in our hearts to our loving heavenly Father. Eph. 5:19
What are some Hindrances to gratitude? The Bible speaks of a bad eye! Matthew 6:22,23. This is a pessimistic, negative view, having more faith in the devil’s wickedness than in God’s goodness. The glass is always half full. Another trap is covetousness: forever preferring what another possesses. Beware also of idolatry! Wanting something so badly that it turns your heart against God. The final hindrance that I want us to notice is God’s invisibility. He blesses us in such a myriad of ways that we just take the blessings for granted because we don’t see His face or His hand. As opposed to infants and toddlers, mature people are able to reckon on objects, thoughts, and actions which are not presently in the room. Spend some time daily dwelling on these unseen kindnesses.
Helps for gratitude. We should make it our aim to practice being grateful. If you are born again – please see my earlier posts that will help you know; please do not assume – you have reason enough to be thankful from now until eternity. Even if receive nothing else from God! 2 Cor 9:15. Study and memorize the scriptures that command us to be grateful. The word of God converts our souls. Look about you. Look! Someone once said, “I can’t NOT see God everywhere I turn!” So, look! Think! Count your blessings! Know God well so you can know that all things are working in your favor (Romans 8:28) and that His goodness and mercy are in hot pursuit after you! (Psalm 23:6). If you have a hard time finding things to be thankful for you may need to camp out on one until you can see another reason emerge through the fog. Or better yet, ask for His help and then be watchful so you can give Him thanks!
God’s blessings are hiding in plain sight! Air, breath, water, life, our senses, colors, sounds, tastes, our loved ones, our earthly home, food, on and on and on. Your mailman, neighbors, your city, your country, opportunities to serve, other countries and cultures, your job. So many of God’s blessings are available to all!
Brain health and gratitude. Finally, the blessings of God are all around us and present us with small doses of pleasure, or as Dr. Amen, a brain specialist expresses it, “Drops of Dopamine.” which make for a happier healthier brain. A happier brain will ward off dementia and other brain ills.
In closing, I thank God for you. If what I write is of any use, you give me a reason for being.
Blessings!
ps: I have not posted in a long time! Pray for me as I’m trusting God for help. I thank Him for the grace to post this blog!