Submitted by Pastor Richard Boettner, Rock Port Baptist Church

I am writing this month as we will celebrate our Thanksgiving holiday November 27. Gratitude is a definite and important value that must be present in our lives to obtain the spiritual maturity God desires for us. Here are a few thoughts to consider:

1) Gratitude will come if we live in humility before God. Humble people recognize that all they have comes from the goodness of God’s grace. Grateful people give thanks in all circumstances because it is God’s will, even when there is loss or disappointment. They move away from bitterness or anger, and choose new perspectives from a renewed spiritual mind. Rather than seeking power over others, they choose service and good will towards others.

2) Gratitude reminds us of the good character of God. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). God was good in my life yesterday, there are good things happening today, and there will be more good things tomorrow.

3) Gratitude helps me overcome the real pains of life. I will begin to see the benefit in suffering, both for me and for others. It helps me to move away from materialistic ideas that having more would make life better, and causes me to accept with contentment what I do have. I will find it easier to move away from complaining or worry if I choose gratitude and giving thanks to God and other people.

4) Gratitude fine tunes my focus and my attitude. When grateful I will move to praying for God’s purposes more and not just pursuing my own gain, or getting my needs met. I will see the value of winning and the value of losing. I will start congratulating others for their success rather than feeling jealous or deprived. I will be motivated and blessed so I can give to others with joy.

5) Gratitude provides the best spiritual foundation for rest and renewal. As we all experience fatigue, lack of motivation, or feelings of fear, we turn to the Source of all goodness, God Himself, whose love is ever present and never failing. The Holy Spirit gives us the righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17) we all long for but cannot find on our own. “So we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4:16).

Give thanks with a grateful heart!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at rpbaptistchurch@gmail.com.