GRATITUDE

 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Gratitude encompasses the deep, heartfelt appreciation towards God for His abundant goodness, encompassing both the visible blessings and those that are hidden from our sight. According to the Oxford Dictionary, gratitude is characterized by the quality of being thankful and the willingness to display appreciation and reciprocate kindness.

It is truly awe-inspiring to comprehend the profound significance of this key that has the power to unlock a multitude of possibilities. Jesus, our revered master and the epitome of perfection, exemplified this principle through His own actions. Each time He communed with His Father in prayer, He expressed gratitude, even in the face of what appeared to be insurmountable challenges.

When Jesus was faced with the challenge of feeding five thousand hungry individuals, he demonstrated an extraordinary act of abundance and compassion. According to Luke 9:16-17, Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, expressed gratitude to God for the provisions, broke the loaves, and distributed them to his disciples to pass on to the crowd. Miraculously, everyone was able to eat their fill, and there was even an excess of food, with the disciples gathering twelve baskets of leftovers. This powerful and compassionate act showcases Jesus’ ability to provide for the needs of many and demonstrates the abundant blessings that come from expressing gratitude and sharing with others.

Similarly, when faced with feeding the hungry four thousand, He gave thanks and there was multiplication. In Mark 8:6-8, Jesus took the seven loaves, gave thanks to God, broke them, and gave them to His disciples to distribute to the crowd. They all ate and had enough, and the disciples collected seven baskets full of pieces left over.

Even at the tomb of Lazarus, when all hope seemed lost, Jesus gave thanks and life flowed into the dead body of Lazarus. In John 11:41-44, after Jesus had said a prayer of thanks, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” and Lazarus emerged from the tomb.

When faced with overwhelming circumstances or challenges that appear insurmountable, take a moment to look up to the heavens and express gratitude. By doing so, you may experience God’s profound wonders, providing you with a renewed sense of hope and strength.

Living a life filled with gratitude has the power to unlock long-closed doors and open you up to the remarkable possibilities that come from acknowledging a higher power. During times of distress and scarcity, maintaining an attitude of gratitude can lead to unexpected abundance and blessings. It’s crucial to avoid the temptation to grumble or complain, as doing so can create further barriers to experiencing the fullness of life’s potential.

Expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities in our lives can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life experience. By acknowledging and appreciating the good things we have, we can cultivate a mindset of abundance and contentment.

Dear Father, I want to express my deep gratitude for everything you are to me and for all the incredible things you have done for me. I ask that you help me cultivate a heart filled with gratitude, so that I may truly appreciate and access the abundant provisions you have in store for me. Amen.