“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:17-19
There is no one who deserves our gratitude more than God. This is especially true when we realize that all that we are, all that we have, whatever we are able to do, is from God. When you come to understand that God is the Great Healer, the Great Provider and Protector; when you believe that He is All-powerful, All-knowing, Ever--present especially in times of trouble--and He is The One Who makes eternal salvation possible for all people, it is not hard to feel tremendous gratitude to Him for all of our many blessings.
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind…”
Psalm 107:8
Gratitude to God will change your life. It will help you recognize the power in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s Only Son, our Lord and Redeemer. When you appreciate your blessings, experience gratitude to God, you want to seek Him out in greater measure, worship him, and serve Him with all your being. Growing in gratitude helps us to be more prone to be thankful for all your many blessings, and to see the world and other people through God’s eyes, in a more compassionate, loving way. Gratitude to God helps us see the best in others. When we express gratitude to God, it also promotes a less stressful, healthier life, leading to better physical & mental health. Gratitude to God can even be very uplifting, and redemptive, lifting us out of a state of uncertainty, depression, anxiety, feeling like a victim, and stress, as we learn to embrace our blessings with a joyful heart.
Sometimes people pray and worship God fervently alone, privately in the place of their choosing. It may be in their bedroom, the car, or another quiet place. However, many believing Christians go to a church to pray, where worship is a big part of the service. Both of these types of worship are important to living a life of gratitude to God. No. no church is perfect, but attending, and being a part of a church, comes with 7 life-giving benefits:
- To grow in a relationship with Jesus by going to God’s house.
- The ability to hear the Word of God read aloud, and a meaningful Gospel message.
- It helps to promote a dedicated, scheduled time each week for worship.
- Often offers uplifting Music Ministry to assist with worship.
- Meeting and receive Holy Communion with other believing Christians.
- Provides an opportunity to meet, fellowship with, and build relationships with other believers through church services, Bible studies & other church activities
- Helps church goers make some new ‘praying friends’
As we grow in gratitude to God, we are able to practice our faith in new ways, and our relationship with God, and others, changs for the better because of it. So does our feeling about ourselves. We are more able to put aside our egos, walk in humility, accept ourselves as we really are, and excuse the shortcomings of others, as we seek God’s and follow Jesus. Gratitude to God brings great light into our lives, a very bright light in fact, providing us with discernment and ample opportunities to share God’s blessings with others, through encouragement, forgiveness, and selflessness.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
Yes—perhaps it’s time long overdue to thank God for all our blessings. When we to pray to God, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is the perfect time to thank Him for all His many blessings BEFORE we ask for anything else. God is all knowing, all loving, kind, and merciful, and He deserves our fervent gratitude. Though His generous gifts He lavishes on us are unmatched, His abundant blessings are everlasting, and the grace and mercy He bestows upon each of us are beyond measure.
Copyright 2022 | Adele M. Gill
