The Power of Gratitude

WISDOM THOUGHTS

Title: The Power of Gratitude

By: Njuacha Hubert

Date: 29/12/2021

Gratitude is giving thanks, showing appreciation for what has been given or done for you. The same gift can be given and different amounts of gratitude expressed depending on the person. This is what distinguishes ingrates and grateful people. Gratitude is one of those things that is scattered all over scriptures:  

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thessolonians 5:16-18 

“This the day the lord has made. let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24 

“Oh give thanks to the lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Psalm 95:2 

But then why should we be grateful.  What are the benefits. 

• Gratitude works miracles.  

In Acts 16: 25, when Paul and Silas where in prison, instead of lamenting over their situation they decided to praise God and look at what happened. An earthquake that shook the foundation of the prison and every one’s chains were broken and the all-prison doors opened. This is not a fairy tale. It happened as it can happen today in our lives. If we just trust God enough to praise Him.  

• It encourages God and others to do more for you 

When you show appreciation for “little” God and people want to do more for you. Every one craves for appreciation and when you give them that, you make it easier for them to do more for you. You become attractive to be given and it is not for nothing. It is because you indeed give back something. It can be expressed in the form of a sincere and lovely thank you that brightens the givers mood for the rest of the day. That is why even a wicked person can give; because they too need that appreciation. Also, Imagine Job’s statement after he realized he lost everything. He thanked God for nothing !. (Job 1:21). And after a while God restored to him more than He had lost.  

• Gratitude to God is actually common sense of faith. 

 If we know that it is written that everything works out for our good and we believe it, then is it not just a matter of time before we see it. Why then don’t we encourage the one preparing the good food instead of pressurizing or complaining. Imagine your mother is cooking and instead of waiting peacefully, you are busy ranting about. Does it motivate the cook or discourage. She might end up giving you half cooked food. Again, from another direction, God actually does more for us than we can see with the natural eye. But with the eyes of faith, we can see it and give Him praise and thanks.  

• Gratitude will make us more joyful  

Sometimes one is sad about what He does not have meanwhile what you have is simply looking at you in total wonder. You are sad because you lost your job what about the one who lost his life in a car accident. Cheer up and thank God. Because when there is life there is hope. Or you are not grateful about the gift you got for Christmas what about the orphan who has not a parent or someone to gift a gift to him or her. 

How to show gratitude:

Don’t compare your gifts with others (Now this does not mean don’t strive to improve yourself). Jealousy brings about ingratitude. Focus on your own. 

Please don’t minimize anything you receive; saying it is too small. It is a temptation but let’s not fall into it. Receiving a gift is hardly anyone’s right. Compare what has been done to nothing rather than to more. As in what if you got nothing. On the other hand, your expression of gratitude can be a provocation or encouragement for your giver to give you more.  

Please let’s not forget what God or people have done for us. Sometimes the appreciation people need from you and I is just the recognition and remembrance not pay back. But then gratitude is not just limited to “thank you”. You too can give back what you have, your time, your concern, your smile, your money, etc. However, whatever you give back, give it from a heart filled with gratitude and love not simply pay back.   

To conclude here is an excerpt from the song “Count your blessings” by Johnson Oatman 

// Refrain:  

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.  

// 

God bless you !