FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Psalm 67:1-7; 100:1-5; 103:1-5; 119:7-16; Proverbs 17:22; Job 19:13-26; Hebrews 11:8-10; [I Samuel 13:14]; Acts 2:25, 26; [Philippians 3:14]; Hebrews 6:18, 19; II Corinthians 9:15

Having an attitude of gratitude is good for us. As Christian men and women, we embarked on a great adventure the moment we said “yes” to God’s invitation to eternal life. We graciously accept what God gives which we did nothing to deserve, and begin a life that follows a trail of blessings — God blesses us!

God always provides the best for us. We should therefore keep an attitude of gratitude instead of being negative all the time. When we are grateful, we will find ourselves walking more humbly.

How does God want us to respond to all these blessings? He asks us to enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. We are not to forget His Word, which makes known God’s heart to us and what He has made available to us. If we forget the Word, we will forget His benefits and be mindful of the wrong things.

We should think of the many blessings of God we have — eternal life; being accepted in the beloved; God’s mercy and grace; having the truth of the Word; being part of a big family with brothers and sisters all around the world, etc.

Writing down a thankful list is a good way to remind ourselves of these benefits. Some things we can be thankful for include: God’s tremendous mercy and grace, new life in Christ Jesus, being a son in God’s family, being born a free citizen of the united States of America, the military watching over our freedoms, all those who have poured good into our lives, all those we serve with in the gospel of deliverance, eternal life and the hope of Christ’s return.

The scriptures record how individuals had to change their attitudes and what was their inspiration. Job, for example, was a man who had set aside his humility and become proud. When God tried to talk to him, Job would not listen but responded with what he knew. Finally, God got stern with him until Job understood. Job had to remember that God was in charge, not him.

Abraham’s inspiration to change his attitude was the hope of the coming Messiah, as was David’s. Paul’s inspiration was the hope of the return of Christ, our gathering together unto him. This is our hope as well, which is sure and steadfast.

In light of the many blessings we have, we start always with the mot basic of God’s blessings — it is His unspeakable gift! We have eternal life, not just in this world, but that which is to come. An attitude of gratitude will put a smile on our faces, a spring in our steps and enable us to enjoy a true zest for life!