Open My Eyes: A 21-Day Fasting Devotional from Jentezen FranklinSample

Fasting Day 5: Gratitude Determines Attitude

After you have fasted for 5 days your energy level may decrease because you are lacking the two things that normally keep you wound up: caffeine and sugar. Thankfully, the low energy blues don’t last too long if you will stick to your plan. As you fast today, remember this: gratitude determines your attitude. We need a spirit of gratitude, and what we’re praying for is that we will be thankful. One thing fasting does is it clears your mind. It removes all of the distractions of normal life, and you begin to develop a gratitude of your salvation and the fact that your name is written in heaven. Fasting reminds you of the fact that you have a covenant with God. When I fast, all of the problems of life that were so big before I started fasting begin to shrink. They become small when I get in the presence of God. I hope you’ll do that today as you worship. Put on some worship, and create an attitude of gratitude. Begin to thank God. Bless Him, out loud. Say praise words and praise phrases to God, and tell Him thank You for everything, for the small things and the great things. He’s worthy of the praise. People with great faith approach situations differently because they know the battle is won before they ever enter the room. They take the high road of just praising God, giving Him the glory. Just say, “Lord, I want You to give me on this fast a fresh attitude of gratitude.” If you’ll do that, you’ll see the goodness of the Lord in your life. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation,” Jesus said, “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Listen to that. “Be of good cheer.” (John 16:33) Get an attitude of gratitude, smile, and thank God for His goodness in your life today. Give us that spirit that says, “God, I’m grateful.” 

Your Gratitude Determines Your Attitude 

In every situation you encounter there is always one thing you have complete control over: your attitude. Your attitude determines your approach and your approach to a situation or another person can escalate or de-escalate, bring tension or calm, trust or turmoil. If you truly believe that the Lord works all things together for your good, then start there. Start knowing that God is going to bring something good into every situation – that He has your best interest in mind. 

I have learned through experience that a person’s attitude can tell me a lot about their level of faith. People with great faith approach situations differently because they know the battle is won before they ever enter the room. They take the high road because they know it’s not all about them. If you want to go higher with the Lord – then be humble – if you want to soar with eagles then learn patience and perseverance in the valley, knowing you are in God’s hands.

Prayer:

Father, bless and keep us today, and give us the spirit that says, “God, I’m grateful. If You never did anything else for me other than sending Your Son to die for me, it would be more than enough. Forgive me for the times I lose sight of that and develop an attitude of complaining and griping. Develop in me an attitude of gratitude that cannot be shaken. Today I will give thanks for You are good and Your love endures forever.”