Day 8: Gratitude 

It happens every election season.

In an attempt to showcase the strength and value of a particular political party or ideology, people work tirelessly to elevate all of the dysfunctions and weaknesses of the opposing party. Everything that’s wrong with our leaders, nation, and world is put on display, in an attempt to sway the masses toward a specific way of thinking and voting.

There can be real value in highlighting the problems our nation faces, especially when the intent is to have honest conversations and respectful debates that lead toward positive change. But what we often see is behavior and rhetoric intended for tearing others down and creating feelings of fear and discontent for the sake of political gain. If we are going to walk as kingdom-minded believers, we must utilize a powerful tool to combat the negativity and judgmentalism that we may encounter—gratitude.

Short-term memory

Gratitude seems to be one of the most challenging lessons for my children. When a sibling “borrows” a toy, it’s as if the world has come to an end. And when offering our kids a new toy or a fun family outing, the excitement is always short-lived. Within minutes, it’s as if the new toy turns ancient and the outing becomes a distant memory. Holding on to gratitude is hard. 

If we’re honest, we (adults) aren’t much better than my young kids. The goodness and faithfulness of God is quickly buried by our latest disappointments or concerns. God’s track record of provision is put into question over and over. 

It is a recurring and consistent issue we find over the history of humanity. We see it with Adam and Eve as they question if God is holding out on them. We see it with the Isrealites as they doubt God’s provision. And I see it in my heart, as I wonder if God is really going to take care of me in this unstable year. 

The beautiful thing about gratitude is that it reminds us of God’s character. It reminds us that we are loved by him, and he has promised to take care of us. 

The power of gratitude

Gratitude is powerful. It’s like a potent antidote to the negative thoughts that creep into our minds during periods of stress and fear. It’s light in darkness and hope in struggle. It lifts our eyes from our tumultuous circumstances, toward our generous and loving Creator.

But gratitude doesn’t happen accidentally. We’ve already established our own innate tendency to forget. Then, top that with a painful year of losses, an unpredictable future, and a large dose of bitter politics, and the last thing we feel like doing is giving thanks. But let’s look again at this instruction from Paul in Philippians:

“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

We looked at this verse in our discussion surrounding prayer. Now, let’s look at it in the context of gratitude. Notice how the encouraged response to anxiety is not simply coming to God with our requests. It’s making those requests from a heart of thanksgiving. Gratitude should permeate the way we pray. It reminds us of who we are praying to. And when we recognize that we are making requests to a good Father, we receive the “peace of God which passes all understanding.”

My encouragement for us in this season is to be intentional in fostering a heart of gratitude. Let us recognize that even in struggle, we’ve been given incredible blessings.  This doesn’t mean that we deny our pain and grief. It instead involves taking a moment in the midst of it to recognize that: 

God is still faithful. 

He is still good. 

He still loves you.

He will come through.

Let’s choose gratitude.

PRACTICE

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1–4

1. Grab a journal and a pen. Take a few moments to reflect on some of the things for which you are thankful. How has God provided for you in the midst of this unprecedented year? Write down everything that comes to mind.
2. Spend time in prayer. Thank God for everything you’ve just reflected on and written down. 
3. One of my favorite ways to foster a heart of gratitude is through worship. Singing our thanks to God helps move the truth of God’s goodness from our heads to our hearts. Find a worship song that you love, and spend some time giving thanks to God in song. Here are some of my favorites: "Great are you Lord" All Sons & Daughters, "Goodness of God" Bethel Music, "King of Kings" Hillsong Worship
4. Try to make gratitude part of your daily conversation with God. Before bringing him your requests and concerns, thank him for his grace, provision, and the gift of his presence.