THE BLESSING OF THANKFULNESS

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,  (Ephesians 5:20 NKJV)

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.  (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV)

 

Some people seem born with a sullen and feverish temper, and it is very difficult for them to break out into smiles and songs. But whatever our natural disposition may be, if we belong to Christ we are duty bound to cultivate a thankful heart. A melancholy person has a bad effect upon others. It is miserable to have to work with or under a confirmed pessimist. Nothing is right, nothing pleases, and there is no word of praise or encouragement. Isn't it much better to be a cheerful and happy employer? If, instead of finding fault with our employees or servants we would look out for things for which we could commend and thank them, we would probably find a miraculous change in their attitude.

The advantage of joy and gladness is that it is a source of strength to the individual soul, and to all others who come within its range, and commends our Christianity! Sidney Smith says: "I once gave a lady 22 recipes against melancholy; one was a bright fire; another, to remember all the pleasant things said to her; another, to keep a box of sugar-plums on the chimney-piece, and a kettle simmering on the hob. I thought this mere trifling at the moment, but have in after life discovered how true it is, that these little pleasures often banish melancholy better than more exalted objects." We may interpret the advice of this humorist and essayist by turning into joyous praise all the incidents of our daily life, arising with gratitude and thankfulness from every good and perfect gift to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world is sad, and has to pay her comedians and entertainers; it is a mystery to her that the face of the Christian should be bright and smiling, although the fig tree doesn't blossom, and there is no fruit on the vine. Let's count up our treasures and blessings, and we shall find that even in the saddest and loneliest life there is something to turn our sorrow into singing (2 Corinthians 6:10). Always be thankful for what you have rather than complaining about what you don't have.

PRAYER

Help us, Heavenly Father, to rejoice always; to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks. I pray in Jesus' name, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #286:
I will fulfill My purpose for your life because My mercy endures forever.

Psalm 138:8 (WEB)
Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me;
your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever.
Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.