11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Consider it pure joy … I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I heard these Scriptures recited many times through childhood, but they have come to have a greater meaning with each year that passes. Having a heart of gratitude is more than saying “thank you” when God blesses us with a new car, job, house, or that spouse we’ve been praying for! It’s also saying, “God I know this season is hard and unfamiliar for me, but I trust you are working all things for my good! I trust you will keep me and establish me as you have so many other times in the past!” We count it all joy; we show gratitude! We trust God will keep us in perfect peace, if our minds are focused on him. Even though I can’t see the future, I know who holds my future, and for that, I can walk with a posture of gratitude.
Gratitude should be a part of our character as Christians. It changes our perspective of our surroundings. During this season, I am more intentional about starting my day with gratitude … finding five things to be grateful for before checking my text messages, email, social media, etc. Some days I succeed, others I don’t. If we walk out our days with a heart of gratitude, I believe we can take more of these thoughts captive, and our repetitive thoughts will be ones of God’s truths and promises!
God, help us walk out this Christian life in a state of gratitude so we maximize our spiritual potential and effectiveness for the kingdom! I pray our daily response will be one rooted in gratitude. Because our trust is in you … we can count it all joy. In the matchless name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
