Be Thankful

“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”

—ANONYMOUS

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His rightness and justice, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

—Psalm 7:17

Being thankful and saying so helps us take the more simple approach to life. We can all find plenty to complain about if we look for it, but if it does no good, why do it? God tells us in His Word not to complain, find fault, or murmur about anything (see Philippians 2:14). He actually says that when we do grumble and gripe, in reality, we are finding fault with Him.

The apostle Paul teaches we should not be anxious about anything, but in all things by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we should let our requests be made known unto God and only then the peace that passes understanding shall be ours (see Philippians 4:6–7). I remember a time when I asked God to give me something and His response was there was no point in giving me something else to complain about. He showed me no matter what I had, I always found a way to complain about what I did not have. I have worked since that time to count my blessings and voice my gratitude.

Having a thankful heart shows God we are ready for a new level of blessings. Thanksgiving is part of the lifestyle of one who genuinely worships and praises God. Complaining all week then going to church and singing a few songs on Sunday and calling it worship does not make it so. I don’t want to merely worship. I want to be a worshiper who worships God in spirit and truth, which is His will (see John 4:24).

An attitude of gratitude certainly helps to simplify life. It keeps our mind free for thoughts that minister peace and joy, rather than turmoil. It also keeps our conversation going in a direction that creates a positive atmosphere everyone can enjoy.