The Secret To Being Authentically Thankful

“It’s possible to be thankful wherever you find yourself.” ~ David Jeremiah

The Coronavirus has brought out the worst and the best in us. This pandemic has made us either a better person or a bitter one. Either way, thankfulness could possibly be the last thing we are feeling in this season.

Times of crisis shake us into self-reflection.

What I mean by this is that when hard times hit, we are forced to face what we are really made of, and specifically in regards to our faith. It’s easy to say we have a strong faith until life becomes unpredictable and out of control.

Living through a pandemic is difficult. What makes it even harder is dealing with our personal battles simultaneously. The truth is many are juggling personal issues on top of the anxiety associated with Covid-19. I know several people that are going through hardships and uncertainties right now. These are individuals that are normally joy filled and confident. Their current circumstances have left them feeling inadequate and unsure of their future. When you add the stresses of a pandemic to an already difficult season, you may not have a desire to feel thankful.

There is, however, a pathway to becoming an authentically thankful person despite every circumstance.

Now, you have to understand something — I’m not a naturally thankful person. Often I catch myself grumbling or complaining about my life-the weather, my relationships, etc. I have learned, though, that my attitude is the critical ingredient to override my circumstances. I have figured out the secret to being an authentically thankful person begins with acceptance.When I accept that my life is not my own and that everything that is happening to me is because God has allowed it, then I can find contentment.

A natural outflow of contentment is a heart that is thankful.

Anne Graham Lotz says it perfectly when she says,“The key to thankfulness is not to view God through the lens of our circumstances, but to view our circumstances through the lens of God’s love and sovereign purpose.” This, dear friend, is the secret of living an authentically thankful life.

If we can see our life through God’s perspective, trusting His power within us, then we we can live a life of contentment. The Apostle Paul knew this secret and shared it with us in Philippians 4:11-13 when he says, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.“

The first step in becoming an authentically thankful person is accepting your lot in life because you believe that God loves you and has a good plan for your life.

You may be feeling broken, but you are never too crushed for Jesus. He is aware of your vulnerability and will use your suffering to bring you into your destiny. Trusting Him can be difficult in times of suffering, but a part of acceptance is having faith in His goodness.

As Christ followers, we walk by faith, not by sight, therefore, it’s important to ask the Lord to give us a vision for our life. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild, but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness.”

As you navigate through these difficult days, I encourage you to grab every thought captive and command them to focus on the goodness of God. Learn to accept His plans for you, asking Him to infuse you with His wisdom and strength and allowing His divine guidance in your life. As you live like this you will be on the pathway to becoming an authentically thankful man or woman all the days of your life.

“And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”~ Nehemiah 8:10