Gratitude: Giving Thanks From a Full Cup
Written by Jessica Jeans
Authentic gratitude is an overflow from receiving goodness.
The expression of gratefulness has effects on our body. Effects so deep that it causes us to heal on a cellular level.
When we receive all that God has for us including our identity, which he assigned specifically for each of us, then we are more able to give to others with true gratitude.
It is one thing to muster up the discipline to give thanks when we are upset.
There are benefits to that and it is biblical. But using gratitude this way is a tool…
…because everything we do is really about us.
God tells us to take our mind off of our worries and remember what is true, what is real and who He is.
When we look into what Scripture says about God, we remember He is the provider of all good things. He is our vindicator, healer and counselor. He is sovereign and He is our father and friend. We can see what really matters in our situation when we get this perspective.
When we think about the nature and character of God we find hope. Hope is holding onto the promises for our future, even when we can’t see the plan.
Doubt and overwhelm (fear) come from not knowing His plan. Uncertainty. The need to control it all. To fix or make sense of our trials.
When we receive His love, we can give from the overflow of contentment.
Love casts out fear (1 Jn 4:18); and fear is doubt. It’s a belief that the future won’t work out.
When we try to control the future, we are acting out of fear that danger is coming. When we look to Him and the evidence of His goodness and faithfulness in our life—proving the fact that He is sovereign and He works out all things for good for those who love Him—then we can truly surrender the future.
Examining what He has done helps us examine the history, which reminds who God really is.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
A true thank you is not forced. It’s a reaction.
How do we find it in our hearts?
Stay tuned for Part Two.
Meanwhile, check out this song:
