For many years now, I’ve practiced or at least attempted to practice having a spirit of gratefulness. An attitude of gratitude. I begin my morning in prayer thanking God for the basic necessities, which I believe so many take for granted.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 KJV
I start by thanking Him for the warm heat blowing into my house, keeping my family warm. I thank him for the food and water I have to eat and drink. I thank Him for the clothes on my back. I thank Him that I have a job to go to and a car to get me there. I’m so very grateful to have a way to provide for my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to write and podcast. I’m grateful for those who read, listen and support my work.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
These basic things are not actually basic at all. Yet if we are not careful, we will take them for granted. We will just expect to always have them. Frankly, we’ve become spoiled in the United States of America.
Thankfully, God has allowed me to see just how blessed I am to have the BASICS. I spent a couple of years in my early adulthood, not always knowing where I would sleep or what I would eat. I spent many nights wondering if things would ever get better. I know what it’s like to be without a home and to be hungry. Worse yet, I know what it’s like to lack hope.
Surprisingly, I don’t look back on those hard times with contempt. No, instead I look back on them with fondness. Those days shaped me. However, I’m also thankful God showed me mercy and brought me out of that pit. How could I possibly do anything but praise Him for His goodness?
Today, take an inventory of all God has done for you. All God has provided for you. Think about those around the world who struggle every day just to have food to eat and clean water to drink. Think about those who are being persecuted heavily for their faith.
Ask yourself, do I have a spirit of gratefulness?
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”Hebrews 13:15 KJV