1 Thessalonians 5:18-"give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

How are you doing in the area of gratitude? Do you find it easy to be grateful when things are difficult and challenging? Do you look at your circumstances and allow them to determine your degree of thankfulness? Being grateful in all our circumstances is challenging. Our world tends to focus on the negative events in our society and complain about them. It seems easier to be negative during times of trouble than grateful. 

In our verse today Paul writes that we are to "give thanks in all circumstances." How could Paul ask us to be thankful when we lose a job, or someone is sick or we are having a hard time meeting our expenses? Doesn't he understand what it is like to live in a broken world? The answer is, "Yes." In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul makes a list of all the hard times he has been through as a follower of Christ. Shipwrecked, flogged, stoned, gone without sleep, been hungry, cold and naked and this list goes on and on. Paul was saying that we have a choice in our response to difficult circumstances. We can complain, get discouraged, get angry, and give up trying or we can focus on all we do have and be thankful that God is using these situations to build within us the character of Christ.

Gratitude will turn our focus off ourselves and onto Christ. It allows us to walk through life with joy and freedom of knowing the one who is in control of our life. It will help us understand God's purpose is to build within us character. It will help us to have a soft heart towards God and others instead of becoming hard and unfeeling. It puts the things in our life in its proper perspective. It builds hope, joy and peace within our lives to sustain us to remain faithful.

If you are struggling with feelings of despair and discouragement, try this simple exercise. Over the next week take a few minutes at the beginning of your day to write down three things you are grateful for in your life. During the day when things get hectic remember those three things and thank God for each one of them. By the end of the week, I believe that you will see your heart change. You will begin having a different attitude when difficult events happen and you will know the Lord is using these challenges to build Christ like character. I believe you will start having an Attitude of Gratitude.

Prayer-Dear Lord Jesus, I am going through a difficult season. I have become very negative, and my heart is starting to become callous. I am finding it hard to be thankful for the things going on in my life. I ask you to help me be more grateful and thankful for who you are and what you are doing in me. Help me to focus my attention on you and the blessings you have given me. I trust you with my future and know you will always love and care for me. Develop in me an Attitude of Gratitude. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen!