A Life of Gratitude

So I had to repent yesterday morning (as I need to do every morning) because I was just complaining Saturday about what some other folks I’m working on a project with hadn’t done.  I was feeling self-righteous as I talked about all the things this person had not done, and then yesterday I woke up repentant (Psalm 139:23-24).  Who am I to complain about what anybody has not done after all the things I haven’t done in accordance with God’s will and grace?  Needless to say, I was convicted and had to repent.  I’m sure I will fall for this one again, but now that I’ve been checked by the Holy Spirit, I’m hoping I’ll keep it on my radar so I can self-regulate (with His help).  

All that being said, I was reminded of how much I need to live in gratitude even when things are not going the way I think they should.  After all, God has given me everything I need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3).  It’s up to me to remember that and operate there.  I have to remember all the grace God has given me.  I don’t deserve it but He loves me so much that He gave His Only Son to buy me back (John 3:16).  

Let’s think about that.  I was born in sin due to what happened in the Garden and I turned my back on Him every time I sinned.  The very one who gives me breath each day and provides for every one of my needs – I choose many days to go my own way instead of seeking Him first (Matt 6:33).  Yet, He still remains right there waiting for me to come back to Him.  

He loves us just the same.  He will not leave or forsake us, even when we leave and forsake Him.  He loves us enough to punish us when we need it for our own good.  He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Heb 13:8).  He does not change.  He is not fickle – He won’t love me today and then change His mind tomorrow.  He is steadfast and faithful (Lam 3:22-23).  He gives me all good gifts.  It may not be the gift I want at the time, but it is working for my good (Rom 8:28).  He gives me sunshine so I and everything around me can live.  He brings the rain to water the plants and replenish our fields.  He sustains us.

Given everything He has done for me, I realized I should not complain about anyone else.  I need to be thankful I can do something for someone else.  I need to remain grateful that He loves me and I need to show grace to others because He loves me so much.  If I’m operating in loving God, I have to love others, not just because He told me too, but because I want to please Him.  The love I have for Him should overflow onto others.  The more I love Him, the more I care about the things He cares about – my soul and the souls of my neighbors.  If I’m a Christ-follower my whole purpose in life is to make disciples – and I don’t have to preach at people – I just have to tell them the good news of Jesus and show them God’s love just as Jesus did (Matt 28:19-20).  

No matter what is happening in my life, it doesn’t change the fact that God is GOOD (Nah 1:7).  God is good whether things are going my way or not.  God is good even when I’m sick or hurting.  God is good when my finances aren’t adding up.  God is good when the world is in chaos.  God is GOOD! I have to remember to thank Him and praise Him continually because of His goodness toward me.  A life of gratitude is a reflection of my acknowledgement of His goodness.  He deserves that and so much more from me.