Creating an Environment of Gratitude
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
( 1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV).
Gratitude is a must for Kingdom Living
Matthew 6:33 unveils a powerful, game-changing advantage that will elevate our gratitude and our lives, “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” When we are challenged to remain grateful in the mundane, it typically stems from a want. For example, wanting the kids to wake up on time so you are not rushing to work or an unlimited to supply of money for the incidental expenses that come up at the least convenient times or seasons. Going a little bit further to Matthew 6:31-32 we are challenged not to worry about our day to day necessities. God has an abundant Kingdom where lack doesn’t exist. When people and circumstances try to test our gratitude, remember to seek Him first. God has an excellent track record of creating ways for needs and concerns to be supplied that we least expect. Where there is an abundance of gratitude, we no longer strive to survive. We know that our King can take care of every single need.
Gratitude Must Be Expressed Internally
he fruit of gratitude is joy. I love this definition of joy by Karen Warren, “ Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.” When joy is present, my gratitude isn’t dependent on people or things. Its foundation is in God knowing that He is with me, my family, and within my life. Where there is an absence of joy, be willing to assess your gratitude level.
Gratitude Invites Abundance.
Gratitude creates a place where we are experiencing abundance in every area of our lives. Abundance isn’t limited to wealth. We can live in abundance in the Fruit of the Spirit(i.e., love, joy, peace, long-suffering, temperance). When we understand the wealth of blessings around us, we realize how much we truly have. We can then live in contentment of the blessings we have daily. Where there is an absence of gratitude, there is an invitation to lack. Be willing to assess your gratitude and what it invites.
Gratitude Challenges Us to Serve.
Gratitude not only shows up in our heart and heart posture, but it also shows up in how we serve others. When I am truly grateful, I will respond. This response can be a kind word, gesture, or can be a tangible expression of appreciation. Think about how you feel when someone says “thank you” or “I appreciate you.” Be willing to sow these seeds of gratitude in your home and life and watch the rewarding seeds of honor that sprout.
God created and we too have a responsibility to steward our creativity properly. Gratitude helps us to remain appreciative and humble and keeps our hearts free to receive. How will you partner with God in gratitude? How will you use your creative DNA to create an environment where gratitude becomes a part of your life? How will you foster gratitude within your relationships? What do you want the impact of your gratitude to be? The possibilities are endless.
