When we shift our attitude and beliefs from focusing on what we lack in life to recognizing what we are grateful for, it brings us closer to Christ. An ungrateful spirit suggests that something or someone is not good enough. More often than not, we end up blaming God for not being enough.
The other day, I went for a walk and mulled over the concept of being good enough. I think it’s a common emotion to feel overlooked, undervalued, and not appreciated for who we are. Humanity is consumed with themselves, and we can inadvertently or sometimes purposefully be dismissive of others. It can lead to feelings of bitterness and isolation.
As I prayed and brought this before God, my perspective suddenly shifted. In my sorrow, I realized how many times I had treated God in a similar manner. How many times had I implied to Him that He wasn’t good enough? This made me wonder how He must feel. He has given His all for us, yet how often do we dismiss Him, blame Him, and demand more from Him?
Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.
A.W. Tozer
Being Thankful for God
There is so much to be thankful to God for. He owes us nothing and we owe Him everything. Yet, in His compassion, kindness, and love for us, He bestows His grace, mercy, and blessings upon us. Psalm 103:1-5 reminds us, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
This passage is such a beautiful reminder.
- God has done so much for us.
- He has forgiven all of our sins and has restored us to Himself.
- He heals us from all that threatens to destroy us.
- He redeems us from the lies and destruction of our enemy.
- He covers us with His love and compassion.
- He desires to completely satisfy us in and through Him.
- He will renew our lives with a love and vitality for life. We will soar with Him.
David reminds us to praise Him, praise Him in all things, praise Him from the deepest part of our souls.
3 Ways to Show Gratitude to God
- Before getting out of bed in the morning, take the first five minutes to thank God for who He is and for His promises in your life.
- Be mindful of your words and the thoughts of your heart and mind, consistently filtering your responses through a spirit of gratitude. Throughout the day, generously express words of praise and thankfulness to God.
- At the end of each night, write in a journal about all the ways God was present in your life that day.
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2
Instead of a transactional relationship with God in which we come to Him only for our needs, let’s cultivate an intimate relationship by expressing our love and adoration for Him. Let gratitude be the language of our hearts. Let our default be to see God’s goodness and faithfulness, generously offering Him praise and thanksgiving.
May we continue to live …
Rooted in Him,
