THE GRATEFUL HEART

Hurricane Matthew left a trail of devastation from the Caribbean islands to the east coast of the United States to the east coast of Canada in the past two weeks. It destroyed lives and property. For many of its helpless victims, life will never be the same. What do we do in times like these? What do we say to people who have lost everything? The Word of God tells us to give thanks. Not the kind of thanks that ignores the pain and suffering of the situation or pretends everything is okay. Oh, no! God teaches us to face the facts and give thanks to Him out of a grateful heart.
The grateful heart has confidence in God’s unfailing love and in the knowledge that He is working out everything in your life for His glory and your good.
The grateful heart knows that God will never leave you nor forsake you.
The grateful heart knows that God can and will do exceedingly above all that you can ask off him or imagine.
The grateful heart knows that you can trust God with your life.
The grateful heart brings peace to your mind and keeps you stable.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:6-7

How do you know if you’re thankful?

How do you know if you’re thankful or not? Let me give you some help in examining your heart.

* Which do you tend to talk about more – your blessings, or your disappointments?
* Are you a complainer, always grumbling, always finding fault with your circumstances?
* Are you content with what you have, or always dissatisfied and wanting more?
* Do you find it easier to count your blessings, or is it easier to count your afflictions?
* Do you express thanks to others when they help you, or do you just take it as your due?
* Would others say that you are a thankful person?

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).


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