DAY 26: A SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE

Gratitude has been described as the healthiest of all human emotions. Think about it: if you live with a grateful heart, if you live with praise and thanksgiving to God, it counteracts any toxic, negative emotions in your life. It elevates your spirit!

Any time I start feeling down, depleted, and tired, do you know what I do? I start praising Jesus! I start rejoicing in Jesus, that my sins are forgiven, that He’s given me His Word and His truth to guide me, that I have a future and a hope with Him. I rejoice in the fact that the Spirit of God lives in me. I celebrate the fact that I’ve got a Christian family and friends who love me. When I use prayer to express my gratefulness to God, He begins lifting my spirits, because His joy becomes my strength. And His strength allows me to stand strong in the power of His might!

Because of this joy, I have strength today that comes from God. I have the strength of God, the power of Jesus in my life. I’ve got as much energy as I ever had. It’s not because of me; it’s because of Him and His love flowing through my life!

Now some of you may be thinking, Well, that sounds nice but I’m not standing; I’m in bed, I’m sick, I can’t even get out of the retirement home, or I can’t get out of this hospital. Even when you can’t physically stand, the joy of the Lord can be your strength. In spite of your suffering, and even in your pain, God gives you a reason to be grateful.

Sometimes we just need a change of perspective. And that’s why God says that we should begin thinking and praying with thanksgiving in our hearts. A prayerful life allows us to rest and reflect upon the goodness of God. First Thessalonians 5:18 says “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.” Not because of all things, but in all things we can give thanks.

Don’t stop celebrating what Christ has done for you. Rejoice in the Lord! Pray with gratitude! Pray with thanksgiving! Because I’m telling you even if you die, it’s only going to get better! “To live is Christ, and to die is gain!” (Philippians 1:21).