#Gratitude

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

A few weeks ago I attended a work conference in Chicago. Author and psychologist Shawn Achor was flown in to deliver a funny and inspiring keynote speech. His area of expertise is studying the science of happiness. Yes, happiness.

Before I continue, I am not saying that I officially endorse Achor's studies or work. After all, I only heard the guy speak once. But what I do endorse is something he talked about during his keynote speech. He encouraged his audience to practice gratitude, daily. He anecdotally pointed out that we create habits like brushing our teeth daily to prevent cavities. So why then wouldn't we form daily habits that could decrease our risk of depression and hopefully lead to happier, more fulfilled lives?

I think there's truth in what he is pointing out and I think Jesus would say He's not too far off. While Jesus himself didn't say much about thankfulness (at least what is recorded in the Gospels), His followers wrote a lot about gratitude, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The difference is that their writings do not suggest gratitude will make you happier, rather, that gratitude is God's will for us.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

It is worth re-emphasizing the foundation scripture because it is God's will for us to be thankful in ALL circumstances. That means whether we are doing well or not doing well, it is our part of our battle as Christ followers to continuously live a life of gratitude towards God. Now I want you to know that our Father in Heaven doesn't feed off gratitude (He doesn't need us, we need Him), and although daily gratitude may not change our circumstances or make us happy, what gratitude does is it foils Satan's wicked plans to destroy mankind.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21)

Satan's goal is to turn our attention to our earthly circumstances, especially if we are facing trials or challenges (which Jesus promises we will face - ref. John 16:33). In turning us away from God and onto our troubles, Satan seeks to darken our hearts with depression, anxiety, and fear. But most of all, Satan tries to make us forget about God's love in sending Jesus Christ to die as punishment for OUR sins. He doesn't want us to rejoice in our salvation. His lie is, "If God really loved you and wanted you to be happy, He would have done this instead of that and He would have done it now." We must not believe these lies. Rather, despite our (good or bad) circumstances we must choose to express gratitude for Christ, for the Cross, for our eternal salvation. In doing so, we cause the enemy to flee and likewise, we will avoid the depression, anxiety, and fear he seeks to place upon us.

So what does gratitude replace depression, et. al with if not happiness? The answer is something far greater - it's called JOY.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

The disciple Peter writes that JOY comes from receiving a greater fulfillment - the fulfillment of salvation. Though, we live on earth now, we can receive the joy of salvation today and it's that same joy that enables us to persevere through all kinds of trials and troubles.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

As Achor suggests, I could form a daily habit of being thankful for my home, for my family, and for my job. There's no downside in doing so, unless, you omit what matters most. What happens if you lose your home, your family, or your job? What happens then? Nobody wants to think that way! But we must be focused on eternity first and everything else second. We must hold fast to the grace we have received through faith in Christ. The truth is if we had nothing else left on this earth, it is still God's will for us to be of good cheer for Christ has overcome and we (His followers) are saved because of it (ref - John 16:33).

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13)