Choosing Gratitude
“Ingratitude is our first step away from God.”
This is a statement that I have been mulling over for a few days. When I am tempted to complain or am discontent in my heart, I am actually turning my gaze away from God and His goodness. I am focusing on what I want and how I want it.
It looks like this: I want it now and God is working too slowly for my liking. I want ____________, so I roll up my sleeves and go to work (manipulation and control, hence my own sovereignty) to get what I want. I think I deserve more. More money, health, friends, influence ,respect, etc…so I complain. I head down a road of idolatry. I head towards the things that I believe will TRULY make me happy. I am not willing to rest in God’s sovereignty.
Trusting in God’s sovereignty is the only sane outlook on life. God is God and will do as He pleases. Thankfully, He is a loving God and always does what is good for those who love him. He always does what is right for us. Thankfully He does not give us half the things we want.
I was talking to a lovely Christian woman one day. She has many young children, is active in ministry and is a faithful servant and asset to her church. She teaches, organizes and meets the needs of others. She is one of those women who just seems to have it all together. One day she told me that she was frustrated because although she had led many Bible studies in the past, she had a desire to start another study and it was seemingly going no where. A little later on she asked for advice on scheduling a time of devotions with her own children. She was at a loss for material, and was struggling with being consistent teaching her own children. I could related. Who hasn’t had struggles being consistent?
After our visit, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe God was limiting her ministry opportunities outside of her home, because He wanted her to focus on her ministry inside her home– teaching her children. Other people can teach a Bible study to women, but nobody else in the world is responsible for teacher the little ones under her own roof. God appears to be limiting her. But I believe it is for the good of that woman and her little children.
It is God’s will for our lives that we live with a spirit of gratitude.
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, concerning you.” Thankfulness.In.All.Things.
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…and be ye thankful.” A thankful heart is peaceful and content.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” A thankful heart does not mutter and grumble.
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk…but instead let there be thanksgiving.” A thankful heart has something worthwhile to say.
Check your words. They show what is going on in your heart. Are they thankful?