If you have been a long-time listener to this podcast, you will recognize that gratitude is a very important biblical principle to me.
Why is it so important to me? Because of 2 reasons:
1) We are commanded to give thanks in and for everything:
Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father. (Ephesians 5:20 NASB)
In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB)
2) I have personally experienced the power and blessing from expressing gratitude and thanks – especially when it is hard to do so. In fact, in 4 different episodes from seasons 1 and 2 of this podcast, I have shared many actual situations where my wife and I experienced power and blessing when we gave thanks to God in the midst of a challenging situation. This principle is true! I have experienced it!
I have recently started reading Chris Hodges’ latest book entitled “Legacy Letters,” in which he shares 31 timeless principles he has learned and lived. His chapter entitled “The Gratitude Principle” amplifies my understanding of the power and blessing of gratitude. The following is based on some of his comments in that chapter, along with my observations and relevant scriptures.
Hodges notes that “gratitude is contagious and invites others to notice and be thankful for what they might otherwise overlook.” Gratitude ministers to others, and fosters a peace and unity within the body. Notice, for example, how many times thankfulness and gratitude are mentioned in the following passage about the body of Christ:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17 NIV)
“Our gratitude:
· Inspires others (as we radiate humility and peace in a world full of noise)
· Builds strong relationships (as we genuinely value people and recognize effort)
· Helps us and others to withstand pressure (because we are grounded when everything around us feels like it is spinning)
· Helps us and others to become more resourceful (as we focus on what we have instead of what we lack)”
Hodges suggests five habits for building a life of thankfulness:
1) Start your day with thanksgiving – “Each morning, list 3 things you’re grateful for. This simple habit sets the tone for the day, training your mind to notice blessings instead of burdens.”
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB)
2) Express gratitude to others – “Gratitude unspoken is gratitude wasted. Take time to thank the people in your life for their impact on you.” The apostle Paul is a great example. Notice what he said to the Ephesian Christians:
I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly. (Ephesians 1:16 NLT)
3) Keep a gratitude journal – “Write down moments of thankfulness each day. On hard days, revisit these entries to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.”
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits [and kind deeds and blessings]; (Psalms 103:1-2 NASB) [Application: writing down moments of thankfulness is one way to remember all His benefits and blessings.]
4) Shift complaints to thanks – For example, “instead of [saying], ‘I have to do this,’ say, ‘I get to do this.’ Gratitude transforms obligations into opportunities.”
Remember how Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt? During those years as a slave and later as a prisoner, he had ample opportunity to reflect on his life – to learn from his mistakes, and to grow and mature. During that time, Joseph learned how to walk humbly before God, thank Him in all circumstances, and truly listen to God for guidance. This was a time of preparation for God’s big assignment for him. Joseph turned those burdensome obligations into amazing opportunities – as he thanked God for his circumstances.
5) View challenges as growth opportunities – “Every difficulty holds a lesson or a blessing. Ask, ‘What is this teaching me?’ instead of ‘Why is this happening to me?’ “
Listen to episode 16 of this season, where I share the examples of Thomas Edison, Moses, and Joseph using their failures as an opportunity for growth and change.
Today, I encourage you to "Reflect on This."
(Note: Direct quotations from “Legacy Letters” are enclosed in quote marks.)