Gratitude Is A Learned Trait

“Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.” Hebrews 13:15 

I had to purpose gratitude in my life. It isn’t as though some are born with it, and others are not; it is a learned character trait. In the early days of following JESUS, my trials appeared to be more in number than my blessings. I questioned GOD’S fairness and love for me. 

I understand when we are so overwhelmed with life we have nothing left to give. We may be so upset with GOD that thank You doesn’t feel right to say. It’s okay to tell GOD, “I don’t want to talk to You.” “I don’t like the way You are caring for me, etc.”

But it is not okay to refuse to thank Him for what He has already done. My salvation, my wife, my children, my health, my job, my finances, etc. As I practice genuine gratitude for what God has already done for me, I am stirred out of my disappointment, depression, anger, frustration, etc.

It was when I stopped thinking, ‘why me,’ and I expressed thankfulness for what GOD was doing that I realized the power of gratitude. 

I developed a habit of flossing my teeth every day, because I know this little practice keeps my gums healthy, not because I like doing it. Over time flossing became a routine. 

This is true of gratitude, it must become a daily ongoing reflex, like eating meals when I’m hungry. It is in the routine that I started seeing breakthroughs in what was overwhelming me. Gratitude begin flowing into praise, and praise ignited an empowerment from the Spirit to overcome the world and preoccupation with self-centeredness. Demonstrating gratitude was changing me, and it became contagious.

~ Pastor Mike

Gratitude is a crop grown and harvested from our own hearts.