Fight for Gratefulness

Cynicism can feel like the easy way out when we're presented with an idea or a situation we don't agree with. The more cynical we become, the more we judge others for their actions. And, if we’re not careful, we can grow arrogant and bitter.

The antidote to this way of thinking is not to be right about everything. Rather, the way to heal from a cynical heart is through gratitude and thanksgiving.

When you are grateful, you take the focus off yourself and put it on God. When you give thanks for something, you no longer judge something for what it isn’t; you appreciate what it is.

In this passage, Paul encouraged all believers in the church of Thessalonica to be continually grateful for who God is and what He has done. He told them always to be joyful. How is that possible? For Paul, because of God’s amazing grace, there’s always something to be joyful about.

As we are more grateful and joyful, we will be more closely connected to the heart and will of God. We will connect with God more deeply, and continual prayer will be possible. When we’re too focused on ourselves, we have no capacity to be in communion with God.

So, fight for gratefulness today. Press into God, even if you're struggling. Let others know that you're counting on Him to show up!