In a society where hearts are driven by feelings rather than informed by truth, gratitude is wrongly viewed as an emotion, rather than a command. Gratitude rooted in circumstances is not true gratitude at all. Gratitude, Biblically defined, is a command to be thankful in all circumstances. When our hearts are rooted in Biblical truths and knowledge of our creator, gratitude overflows. For through the law, our inadequacy is magnified, and appreciation for grace, heightened. At the remembrance of the cross, hope is renewed, circumstances are placed in perspective, and gratitude abounds. Through growing in love for scripture, hearts cannot but overflow with praise, regardless of circumstances.
Remember The Cross
At the cross, ingratitude is shattered, and hearts are filled with praise.
The remembrance of Christ taking our place on the cross, drives our eyes to tears, and our hearts to worship.
Eyes fixed on the cross shift the focus from the temporary to the joy of the eternal.
At the sight of Christ, mocked and crucified for us, all pride is shattered, humility grows, and praise overflows.
“And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him.”
- Mark 15:18-19
Remembering the cross, we grow in love for Christ, and our hearts rest in remembering our hope.
Here we are reminded of how we deserve absolutely nothing but judgement. Yet, here we are refreshed by grace and encouraged to face trials with hope and joy.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Romans 6:23
Here, reflecting on the cross, in total depravity, we remember the weight of sin and our appreciation for grace increases.
Through the cross, suffering can be viewed as a privilege rather than a burden.
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake”
- Philippians 1:29
Reflect on Biblical Law
Immense joy and gratitude result from reflecting upon the beauty of Biblical law.
Animal sacrifices for sin in the past, lead us to praise the Lamb who was slain, through whom we are now saved.
Although we today are saved by grace, through faith (Eph 2:8-9), the law provides a window into the beauty of God’s perfect design for humanity. What Christ has done for us then leads us to pursue holiness, and the law beautifully provides guidance for such living. For this reason, joy overflows as we read and study Biblical law!
God’s concern and love for his people through the giving of the law refreshes our hearts with deep gratitude.
Through the law, God’s holiness and our unholiness is displayed. Then the gift, by no merit of our own, to have a relationship with such a holy God, is remembered with praise. How can reminding our hearts of this not produce thankfulness amidst difficult circumstances?
Deeply Love Scripture
Gratitude flows from a heart filled with love for God’s word.
What a joy to have guidance brought to us by the depths of wisdom found in the instruction of scripture.
What a gift to gain comfort through how those in scripture viewed suffering.
To hold scripture, the very God-breathed words, in our hands cannot but result in praise.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16
In the word, we remember how the cries of all creation for hope, was answered by the sweet cry of our saviour, as a newborn in a manger.
What a joy to recognize that as we study the character of God every day, we still only scratch the surface of the depth of who he is.
At the turning of each page of the Book of Job, comfort is found through a greater understanding of suffering.
As we remember that our eyes have been opened to love scripture, our hearts will overflow with thankfulness.
Let our hearts be forever filled with praise for who he is.
“And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
- Isaiah 6:3
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,”
- Psalm 92:1-2
“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”
- Psalm 18:30
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
