A Thankful Heart

It may be a cliché but there is a lot of truth to it; our attitude determines our altitude. Whether we journey through life angry and proud or are true representatives of Christ living a life of joy, prayer, and gratitude is largely dependent on our attitude. In his letter to church in Colossia, the Apostle Paul writes, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15, KJV). This was not unlike his message to the church in Thessalonica, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Notice the words - "Be ye thankful" and "In everything give thanks." Paul, more than anyone else, knew that life is not a bed of roses; it isn't always fair. There are pressures, challenges, disappointments, hurts, ups and downs, but Paul is saying that when something goes wrong in life, we should not lose our joy over it. Amidst all the bad stuff we should remember that God is in us, we are heaven-bound, and we have a responsibility to let the world know of our faith by our attitude. It seems to be a human tendency to complain and grumble when things are not going well. As believers, we are called to go against the tide and to give thanks in everything. Usually, that being thankful during those times is the last thing on our minds. Yet Paul did not leave us with an option. His admonition, spoken under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, is quite clear. Be ye thankful! Rejoice always! In everything give thanks!

It is instructive to note that this attitude "is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Francis Frangipane says it well, "Thanksgiving is the language of faith." The faith in God that says, "I do not understand all that is going on at the moment but I trust you that you know what you are doing, and all of this is going to work out for my good and for your glory." Frangipane continues, "The moment we spend time thanking the Lord, we begin to see more clearly what He is actually doing. Our eyes are open as our hearts open."

The Psalmist declares that we must enter the gates of the LORD "with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name" (Psalm 100:4). As we bless His name, He blesses us but our capacity to receive God's blessing is only as functional as our ability to be grateful for them. Remember, a thankful heart is the gateway through which the blessings of God enter our lives.

As you consider your own attitude amidst life's challenges, how thankful are you?