Attitude of Gratitude - November 29

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the

one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Reflect

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…

In 2022, Gallup released a poll about the happiness, satisfaction, and contentment of the average American. The results were pretty sad. Only 38% of Americans feel content with their life circumstances. Now, if you look at the past few years, I get it. Life hasn’t been a walk in the park.

But let’s face it. No matter who you are or where you live, all of us experience trials, troubles, and tragedies in this life. And yet, some people are more content and happy than others. What is it that makes such a difference? An attitude of gratitude.

Throughout Scripture, the apostle Paul is consistently an example for us in this area. In today’s verse, Paul expressed his thankfulness to God for the believers at the church in Thessalonica and said that he “constantly” prayed for them.

Now, could Paul have been justified if he chose to be bitter instead? Most people would probably think so. Look back at Acts 16-17. Before they went to Thessalonica, they were beaten with rods and tossed into prison at Philippi. Later, in Thessalonica, they were run out of town by an angry mob that attacked the home of their brother in Christ, Jason. Up next, in Berea, they were also sent out of town because of a threatening crowd. It seemed like Paul faced opposition everywhere he went! He had been called by God to preach the Gospel and yet, it wasn’t an easy calling. It was difficult and it was dangerous. He was often in pain and in peril.

And yet, when he considered his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at Thessalonica, he didn’t focus on the fact that he had been run out of that city. Instead, he expressed his thankfulness for that church and remembered them in his prayers. He gratefully received good news from Timothy’s check-up that the church they founded in Thessalonica was thriving! Based on Timothy’s report, Paul could be sure that they were genuine believers in the Lord, working and living for Christ. Sure, they’d had to leave abruptly because of bad circumstances, but God had worked through them anyway! Their mission was successful to the glory of the Lord!

I don’t know about you but when I consider Paul’s circumstances and compare it with his apparent level of contentment, I am convicted. Paul’s words in today’s verse cause me to reflect on how much time I spend whining instead of worshiping or grumbling instead of being grateful. My life isn’t perfect and it’s not a walk in the park—no one’s is! But, when I consider all that Christ has done for me and all that He is continuing to do in and through my life, I realize that I have much to be thankful for! Today, I’m asking God to continue to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and an attitude of gratitude in me. How about you?

Respond

Lord, I confess that at times, I am quicker to complain than I am to praise. Change my heart, God! Help me to remember Your goodness and Your faithfulness to me regardless of my circumstances. Help me to take my eyes off of myself and to remember others more in my prayers. Amen.

Reveal

Who are you thankful for? Mention them in your prayers to God! In addition, publicly expressing your gratitude for their impact on your life can be a powerful testimony and can reveal God’s grace in your life to others.