As you might have assumed, the discipline we are discussing this week is thankfulness. However, this is not simply a reminder to be grateful for our family, provision of our home and food, etc. This discussion is coming from the perspective of a spiritual discipline. This is an action that increase our focus and dependency on our relationship with Jesus.
Although a general attitude of thankfulness for the things we have is always a positive trait, it often misses the heart of God’s purpose in our lives. Unfortunately, Satan tries to rob us of thankfulness through a variety of tactics. One is subtle; getting us to take the benefits of this life for granted. “Afterall, as an American, I am entitled to being happy and having all my needs cared for. If I have a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back, and a few fun things to play with, I simply have what I deserve! Right?”
A second play of Satan is to cause us to never be satisfied with what we have. I have a house, but it’s not as nice as the guy at work has. We don’t get to eat out as much as others do. And the complaints can go on. When we are constantly wanting more, it is difficult to be grateful for what we have.
But what about our thankfulness for what goes beyond the mundane and temporal aspects of our life. Are we thankful for our relationship with God through Jesus? Not just for the things he provides for us or the answers to prayer. Do we offer thanksgiving to God just for being God?
Psalm 92:1-2 states, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”
This truth is calling us to a continual attitude of thankfulness to God. To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, is a literary tool to demonstrate an all-inclusive idea. Not just morning and night, but all day long we should express an attitude of gratefulness to our Lord.
How do we do this. It begins by taking our eyes off this life and get them focused on God’s eternal Kingdom. Look up and see who God truly is. Our financial security, family situation, and personal health may change – but God and his eternal promises never change. When we give thanks, our hearts and minds are “renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created” us. (Colossians 3:10) The unchanging, powerful character of God is always worthy of our thankfulness.
Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” The advantage of a thankful heart to God is that it changes us. We can live more peacefully in the middle of the mess we call this life. Again, it is a renewing of our mind and adjustment of our focus. Thankfulness for who God is will create a spirit of joy in our lives. Daniel Henderson states it this way, “Joy is an abiding well-being that transcends circumstances because is it rooted in spiritual reality. Truly, gratitude rearranges the interior of my troubled and doubting heart.”
Thankfulness can be generated by remembering the past. Again, Satan loves to rob us of these memories by focusing our attention on the struggles of the present. God has never failed his people. Even when we see his justice displayed, he ALWAYS offers an opportunity for grace. Taking time to learn from the acts of God in the past will increase our ability to thank him in the present.
The most obvious source of our thanksgiving to God is the hope we have in our eternity. We don’t fear the future because regardless of what happens in this life, our eternity is safe with Jesus.