Grateful Spirit
Good Morning,
The spirit of the believer is to be filled with gratitude and praise.
Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
vs. 20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Giving thanks always for all things! The same Bible that says do not kill and do not get drunk, says we are to have a thankful spirit. Part of this gratitude comes from the sources we allow to influence us. Ephesians 5:19 talks about singing psalms and hymns. The right kind of music will certainly affect our spirit. This world will likewise affect our spirit. Critical or negative, co-workers, friends, or newscasters will affect our spirit. We understand that there are some people who are simply negative. Like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, this kind of people assume the worst in each situation. That outlook is hardly scriptural; God said, “Rejoice in the Lord alway…”
Ephesians 5:4 “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Isaiah 63:7 “I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us…"
Colossians 1:11 “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
vs.12 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”
These verses and dozens of other passages exhort us to praise, to give thanks, and to have a grateful heart. Our circumstances will be difficult at times, but our God is always good and always worthy of praise and thanksgiving.
Some children naturally complain. Our duty as parents is to try to train them to praise, express gratitude, and overcome their natural tendency to have a negative outlook.
Perhaps you are married to someone who always looks on the downside; it would be wise not to try to change them. Remember, you chose to marry that person; it is best to love your spouse and trust that God will guide them to be what He wants them to be in spirit.
For each of us individually, we should strive to be people of praise and thanksgiving.
Pastor