An Attitude of Gratitude

An attitude of gratitude is a choice that is easily made when something good and wonderful happens in our life. But how much gratitude do we really feel when we receive bad news, or when suddenly there is something wrong with the car, or the refrigerator stops working, or the medical exam finds something to be concerned about, or, or, or…? Honestly, it is still our choice to find something to be grateful about, but if the truth be told, our thoughts are usually focused on the bad news and not the larger picture.

Here is another truth to keep in mind when we are faced with life’s challenges. Somehow it could always be worse. As the saying goes; “There but for the grace of God go I.”

Isn’t it true that we can face any of life’s challenges so long as we maintain a positive perspective about whatever it is we are facing? We also need to remember that our attitude affects not only us, but everyone around us. An attitude of gratitude begins by trying to find any positives beyond the obvious negatives. Then focusing on those positives while navigating our way through the challenge we face. For a Christian, it all begins by acknowledging our faith in a faithful God and holding true to our belief that the Lord provides for all of our needs, regardless of what those needs may be.

Psalm 91:1-2 reminds us that, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

Maintaining a positive attitude starts with knowing who we are in Christ. The truth is that each of us were chosen from the billions of people on this planet to be in the family of God. We were each called to Jesus and our acceptance of that call placed us on a heavenly path. Unlike so many others in this world, our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 

Difficulties and trials will come to us all. But we should face those difficulties by keeping a positive perspective and by remembering that it could always be worse. Realizing that someone out there has it worse off than we do always seems to somehow make facing what we have to bear somewhat more tolerable. 

We also need to acknowledge that none of what is happening is a surprise to God and that our life is securely in His hands. He is our provider and He has a plan for our lives. What is happening to us now is probably part of His plan, as strange as that may seem. So let us trust that God will see us through every trial and every misfortune that may come our way.

Let us pray for the strength and perspective to always maintain a positive and grateful attitude whenever difficult times arise. 

Pray that we will always have a grateful heart in all circumstances and that our faith, our hope and our trust in God will never falter, but will only grow stronger.
As Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances (including the bad ones); for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The truth is that we are able to follow Paul’s guidance only by maintaining a positive mindset and expressing an attitude of gratitude.