A GRATEFUL HEART ~ PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
Some people don’t know the value and power of a grateful heart; therefore, they complain over everything. If they aren’t bemoaning the economic situation, they’re complaining about the pains in their bodies or about some other problem. They’re hardly ever happy, because they’re blind to all things happening in, and around them, for which they ought to be grateful.
There’re many who don’t appreciate or even recognise the progress they’ve made or the blessings of God in their lives. Life itself is a gift from God to enjoy every day; that you can even think that you deserve better is a blessing. So, look into your life and see that there’s a lot to be grateful for.
Perhaps you’ve learnt something new; your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word have improved; your prayer life has become richer; all these and more are important blessings to be grateful for, and excited about. The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit in your life, for example, is far greater than any physical or material blessing you could ever get. In fact, it’s what will give rise to other material blessings in your life.
True happiness in life transcends having a lot of money. There’ve been many who had a lot of money and all that money could buy, yet they were depressed, unhappy and ended up destroying themselves. In Luke 12:15, Jesus said, “…Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
You’re never going to be satisfied because you have so much; therefore, learn to be content and grateful for all that the Lord is to you, has made you, and made available to you. Serve Him joyfully, putting Him first in your life. Be thankful, and excited about your life in Christ: His glory and righteousness that you are, and exude, as well as His power, wisdom, and grace by which you live triumphantly every day.
FURTHER STUDY: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Chronicles 16:34.