This fall décor caught my attention because of the words inscribed on it. It is a reminder to keep a grateful heart. I really needed that reminder so I hung it on my door. Human wants and needs are simply unlimited. We will always have a need or want at every given time, hence the need to stay thankful at all times, so that we do not get caught in the web of dissatisfaction.
Lately, I’ve come to the conclusion that life is in cycles; that is there is an infinite cycle of needs to satisfy, goals to meet, obstacles to overcome, success to achieve and so on. The moment you achieve a success in an area, it opens the door for another goal that needs to be met. Likewise, there is always an obstacle to overcome. These processes of life can be overwhelming and can cause anxiety, comparison, and health complications in some cases. An antidote to this is the ability to keep a grateful heart.
How to keep a grateful heart
- Choose to remember: Remember the good things that God has done for you; be deliberate about it. The Psalmist said – Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.Ps.103:2NLT. It is often easy to forget God’s blessings.
Ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy and he healed them, but only one returned to show appreciation. Jesus asked, Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? – Luke 17:11-19.
Jesus expected that all the lepers would return to give glory to God. When we easily forget God’s numerous blessings, we are like the other nine lepers.
Let your shout of victory be as loud as your prayer for deliverance!
- Choose to find opportunities to be thankful – When you choose to look at your glass half full rather than half empty, you will find it easy to keep a grateful heart. It is easy to focus on what we don’t have or on how others seem to be better or more successful than us. This attitude blurs our ability to see God’s blessings in our lives. In every situation, no matter the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus -1Thess.5:18
A grateful heart is a heart filled with gratitude
- Choose to trust God – Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Ps. 20:7. The ability to rest in God and His promises is a principal factor in staying grateful. When we are confident that God will not forsake us because He is faithful and able to do infinitely more, our perspectives will change. Consequently, we will be able to raise a hallelujah that is louder than unbelief.
And if God cares so wonderfully for the wildflowers that is here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.Matt.6:30a
Finally, to keep a grateful heart is a command and a reminder as well. Most times, it is very challenging to stay grateful, but always remember that it is a choice.
#Choose gratitude #Countyourblessings