Articles
A Thankful Heart
One of the keys to Gentile rejection of God was a lack of thankfulness to Him as Creator (Rom. 1:21). Ingratitude is more than just being impolite; it is poison to our soul. It overlooks the goodness and gifts of God. It causes us to focus on our problems and/or remain in an anxious state of mind.
Thus Paul counsels: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philip. 4:6). If we focus on the hardships, failings and injustices of life, we will eventually turn against God. Here are just a few reasons for us to be thankful (all the time, not just in late November):
- God loves us and is patient with us.
- God provides limitless forgiveness.
- God hears our prayers and cares about us.
- We have the Scriptures to guide us.
- We have fellow Christians to help us.
- We can still worship without fear.
- Our country is free and prosperous.
- We enjoy the blessings of modernization (pure water, abundant food supply, climate control, appliances, plumbing, etc.).
- Our cabinets, pantries, refrigerators and freezers are stocked with food.
- Wars have not torn the fabric of society or trashed our landscape.
- Travel is fairly easy and comfortable.
- We have limitless access to knowledge and education.
- We have so many clothes that we need walk-in closets.
- We have access to world-class doctors and medical facilities.
- We have drugs to vaccinate our children, fight infections, balance body chemicals and treat debilitating illnesses.
- We have loving spouses and the services rendered by said spouses.
- We have children who are growing, learning and excited about the world around them.
- We get to nurture children, which helps remove selfishness from our hearts.
We can also be thankful for:
- Trials and setbacks that help us re-evaluate our lives.
- Occasional illnesses that help us appreciate our health.
- The opportunities to help others, which keep our own troubles in perspective.
- The uncertainties of life, which remind us to depend on God.
- Our critics who help us focus on doing better.
- Gray hair, which is a sign that God’s providence has allowed us to live a long time.
- Rising early in the morning because we have purpose in life.
- Traffic jams because they mean we have cars, jobs to go to and a prosperous society that makes for all that logjam.
And then there are:
- Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays and other celebrations of life, family and joy.
- Beautiful scenes of mountains, lakes, oceans, trees, flowers, wildlife, sunsets, stars, full moons and other wonders of the creation that point our thoughts to God.
- And a hug, kiss, pat on the back or word of praise that tells us we matter to someone.
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