Learning How To Be Thankful
Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. Always be aware of in all circumstances of the authority of our Messiah Jesus, and therefore always give thanks for everything to God the Father. (Ephesians 5:18-20)
16 I heard, and my inner parts trembled; At the sound, my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, And in my place I tremble; Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, For the people to arise [who] will attack us. 17 Even if the fig tree does not blossom, And there is no fruit on the vines, [If] the yield of the olive fails, And the fields produce no food, [Even if] the flock disappears from the fold, And there are no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will triumph in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. [Hab 3:16-18 NASB20]
I. What is Thankfulness?
a. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful. A feeling of appreciation and gratefulness.
b. “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.”― Harry A. Ironside
c. “Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations [1]
II. Why should we want to be thankful?
Researchers who study gratitude find that it is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people:
v Feel more positive emotions
v Relish good experiences
v Improve their health
v Deal with adversity
v Build strong relationships[2]
FIVE KEY BELIEFS THAT CAN HELP US STAY THANKFUL
1. God in Jesus Christ is good and I can trust HIS character
2. God in Jesus Christ is great and I can trust HIS competence
3. God in Jesus Christ is full of grace and I can trust HIS compassion
4. God is Jesus Christ grieves with our griefs and I can trust HIS companionship
5. God is Jesus Christ guarentees that all our griefs will work for good I can trust HIS Commitment
III. Thankful in all Circumstances - But How?
Two Stories – Two Attitudes
The Big God Story – Preach the gospel to yourself – Express YOUR sadness to God
Worldview = Contentment = Thankfulness
What benefits?
My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)
Be Thankful: God is At Work!
We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
How Do You Consider Your Suffering?
I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)
Practical Steps - Thankfulness tools
1. Write thank you notes to others and even write a thank you note to God
2. Thank someone mentally
3. Keep a “gratitude journal” every day and review it every week
4. Pray to know the purpose of your pain but come to trust the Lord who died for you. Remember the gospel and look at everything with Christ’s sacrifice & Victory in sight
5. Focus your attention on what is good this day and forever. (Philippians 4:8)
8 Finally, brothers [and sisters,] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [Phl 4:8 NASB20]
[1] Roman Emperor and Stoic Philosopher
[2] http://intelihealth.com/article/the-mental-health-benefits-of-gratitude?hd=Minding