“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes 5:18)
Being a thankful person is one of the greatest secrets of success in life.
On the day he was robbed, Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator, wrote these words in his diary: “Father, I thank you that this was the first time I have ever been robbed. Thank you, that all they took was my money and not my life. Thank you that even though they took my all, it wasn’t much. Thank you, Father, that I was the one robbed and not the one doing the robbing!”
Four Great Reasons for Developing an Attitude of Gratitude:
1. Being thankful restores lost love
(Prov 18:21) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Your words create positive or negative emotions. It’s impossible to continually criticize someone or something and maintain love for it.
“You have left (not lost) your first love.” (Rev 2:4-5)
2. Being thankful curbs discontent
(Phil 4:11-12) “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.” Contentment is not getting what you want, it’s enjoying what you have.
(1Tim 6:6) “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
(Psalm 17:15) “I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness".
3. Being thankful attracts people like a magnet.
Thankful people really appreciate those around them, and they show it often. And who doesn’t like being appreciated? This creates opportunities to build great friendships that will enrich many lives.
4. Being thankful is the way into Gods manifested presence
(Psalm 100:4) “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name.”
A thankful heart is quick to give God the glory for everything. And God delights to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect towards Him!
Let us become a thankful, positive, praise oriented people - then when we have something to complain about people will really listen.
Yours for Thanksgiving becoming Thanks-living!
Dr. George Hill,
President and Founder, VCI
www.victoryint.org
