The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men ~ Joel 1:12.
Introduction
Real life experiences show that one’s attitude to life is paramount to his/her accomplishments on earth. This is so because the way we think will, by and large, determine the way we perform.
Your attitude defines your general outlook: how you see things around you, how you feel about what you experience, how you deal with the situations you face, and what you think about life in general.
A positive attitude of gratitude, thankfulness, optimism and joy in the Holy Ghost works like a magnet in attracting supernatural help to you, and positioning you to experience the wholeness you are frantically looking for, regardless of the situation you presently find yourself.
I am aware that you may not always be able to instantly control all the issues around you, but you can receive grace to control your attitude while they last and give thanks to God in everything.
What Is Gratitude?
From the perspective of men’s mental health, a popular magazine, “MensLine Australia”, recently made the following basic observations on this subject, saying:
“Gratitude is pausing to notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted, like having a place to live, food, clean water, friends and family. It's taking a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are. Being grateful for all that we have in life is one of the keys to true happiness”.
Gratitude is an attitude in acknowledgement of a benefit that you have received from God, or hope to receive by faith. It is a deliberate and sincere appreciation for the blessings or help we have received or will receive from the Lord.
No doubt, the El-Shaddai God is the Selfless Giver of all good things, and our gratitude is an acknowledgement of this divine generosity (James 1:17). A clear understanding of this should shape our thoughts and actions at all times.
Gratitude is a basic Christian attitude and an essential part of true worship. It is at the heart of the gospel; Christians are therefore strongly encouraged to constantly express gratitude to God as their Creator and Redeemer.
We must acknowledge Him for Who He is, and for all He does for us, especially in Christ Jesus. You cannot truly or spiritually worship the God, whose peculiar goodness or matchless assistance you don’t acknowledge to start with.
Gratitude is a powerful force that opens the door to God’s greater blessings of grace, favour and supernatural empowerment. It should be a part of our everyday lives.
Constant gratitude also showcases real humility. When you walk with the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, you cannot walk with arrogance, self-conceit and egotism at the same time.
Understanding The Mystery of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is always good and highly commendable (Psalm 92:1). More so, giving thanks to God is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus (1Thessalonians 5:18).
Irrespective of our circumstances, class or social standing, we must recognize that God is pleased to demand of us to give Him thanks in all situations. “In everything give thanks” is a clear command from God, not a piece of advice or a suggestion.
Please understand that God has no special relish for praise singing, neither does He savour, enjoy or take undue pleasure in the praises of men. But, being our Creator, He certainly knows best what is crucial to our total wellbeing (Proverbs 17:22).
He knows that the grateful heart is akin to godliness. The command to be grateful and thankful to God is like His command for us to be holy, godly, spiritual and genuine in our walk with Him, to activate His supernatural provisions in our lives.
You can never give thanks to God in error, and your thanksgiving can never be too much. Gratitude supernaturally takes you into higher altitude, and establishes you in supernatural platitudes in life. The more you give thanks to God, the more of His glory you access and the better your destiny becomes.
We Must Embrace a Lifestyle of Constant Gratitude
As mentioned earlier, we are unequivocally and expressly commanded to “give thanks unto the Lord” (1Chronicles 16:34). Why? The command came with the answer: “for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever”!
No matter what may be happening in the world around you, you can always find something good to thank God for. Please, search out and think deeply about that (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
Moreover, constant gratitude proves your faith in God. Not only should you thank Him for what He has done in the past, including the gift of eternal life, you should also thank Him for what He will do in the future. And, it’s that kind of faith that pleases God.
Again, the attribute of gratitude makes whole. The ten lepers were cleansed by Jesus, but it was the only one that returned with thanksgiving that was made whole (Luke 17:11-19). Obedience may attract the power of God, but it’s our grateful hearts that attract wholesome interventions.
Whatever we duly thank God for is what He protects, prospers and multiplies. Jesus gave thanks for seven loaves of bread and small pieces of fish. Thereafter, He comfortably fed a great multitude of hungry people, and they still had several baskets full of leftovers (Mark 8:1-9).
He also gave thanks for His privileged access and powers with God in prayers, and none of His prayers ever lacked potent answers (John 11:41-42).
Yes indeed, God vigorously intervenes in the affairs of those who demonstrate the attribute of gratitude: “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel” (Psalms 22:3).
Friends, as you choose the attitude of constant gratitude, you’ll experience His mercy and loving-kindness in greater ways. You’ll also be filled with His peace, joy and such other benefits of abundant life He has prepared for you!
Please always keep in mind that ingratitude comes with immense dangers. It is the reason behind the sorrow and dryness of many people. Everything around them is dried up, having been cut off from the Source (Joel 1:12).
Most times, God wants to step into our situations, but it is our attitudes of gratitude and thanksgiving that will create that necessary atmosphere for His intervention. Besides, whatever is done grudgingly attracts no return because it is totally unacceptable to God.
Be ever grateful and thankful, cheerfully. Don't wait any longer; start thanking God for His goodness and mercies, right now! Start praising the Lord with great joy in the Holy Ghost.
Soon and very soon, the outstretched arms of the Almighty God will appear for you in all dimensions of your destiny. You won’t miss it, and you shall not fail, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
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Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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