Here’s what creating a daily rhythm of gratitude can do for you
By Dean Collins
What would happen if for just a day or two we took our minds off politics and Covid-19?
Over many months now there have been nonstop concerns and conversations about the election and what will happen if Republicans or Democrats win. Depending on who you listen to or read, America is basically doomed either way. And when we aren’t talking politics (and often when we are), we are obsessed with Covid-19. It is an unusual and unpredictable virus causing widespread sickness and wreaking havoc on our day-to-day life and the economy at large. And while politics, good health, and the economy are important, what if we paused to think and pray about something else?
Maybe the pause in conversation would allow us the space we need to embrace gratitude. What if Thanksgiving kicked off not just a day of gratitude but a lifestyle of gratitude?
What if Thanksgiving kicked off a lifestyle of gratitude?
Some of the particulars might vary in our gratitude lists, but I bet we share many of the same themes. Family, friendships, the fact that we are still alive, the reminder that we enjoy food and shelter and water—all these would likely make our lists. These mean so much to us, yet they might slip away in our obsession with current events.
Thanks, in spite of
Often we find the apostle Paul expressing gratitude in his various letters. We know enough of Paul’s life to know he had what seemed to be more than a fair share of difficulty. Nearly everywhere he went there was opposition to his presence and his message. He was hated enough by some that he was often placed in prison and usually beaten first. Some stoned him, and many lied about his actions and his message. His travel was disrupted by bad weather. He apparently had an illness or impairment that was never resolved. And with all of these problems, still he constantly expressed his gratitude to God and to those he knew.
Maybe it was Paul’s gratitude that kept him focused and able to endure and achieve so much during his adult life. So what might change for us if we established regular times to reflect and express gratitude?
Paul was always thankful to God for the saints he met in his journeys. He had personally watched men and women transformed by the power of the gospel as they left literally the kingdom of darkness to become people filled with the light of God’s truth. Now they lived altogether differently than before.
The amazing thing about spiritual transformation is that it is never stagnant. Growth can and should continue. Paul’s prayer in Colossians chapter 1 suggests that we can receive more wisdom and understanding in the things of God. As we grow in spiritual wisdom it modifies our attitude and our behaviors; it changes our path.
Thanks, today for tomorrow
As we seek a deeper relationship with God, our endurance grows along with our patience. Before you know it, not only has gratitude increased our joy but it also extends our influence. Paul’s gratitude for his salvation and for the salvation of others advanced the gospel throughout the whole world. Something similar still happens today. Spiritual transformation of others brings more good deeds and more light to the darkness. Real changes in our world will always be greater when we focus on the things of God more than the politics of man and the problems of the world.
In Romans Paul reminds us we can never discover all the wisdom and riches of God. His life, his grace, and his love are wider and deeper than anything this world has to offer.
Take a moment to be thankful. Better yet, establish a rhythm of gratitude for the goodness of God and the people of God. A habit of gratitude will extend your days and fill you with joy.
Your time with God’s Word
Colossians 1:3-6, 9-14; Romans 11:33-36 ESV
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