“Gratitude is a soil on which joy thrives.” -Auerbach

When we’re thankful, we’re happy.

So many times in life, our joy and happiness depends so greatly on our perspective: do we see what we don’t have, or are we thankful for the things that we do have? Do we focus our thoughts on the things that we can’t do, or do we give thanks to God for the things that He has allowed us to do?

A perfect example of this principle can be seen in the Bible in the apostle Paul. He was imprisoned for many years, and yet he was full of joy. Paul didn’t focus on all the freedoms that he was being denied, but he was utterly thankful and gave thanks to God for the ministry that he still had in prayer: even though he was in chains.

I wonder on many of us would be thankful to God if we were put in prison for our faith? I wonder how many would still maintain their inward peace and joy even when circumstances were bleak? I wonder how many of us would overcome the world, and look unto God and His unfailing goodness—a goodness that cannot be stolen or destroyed by anything upon this earth—and be filled with thanksgiving and gratitude for all that our Heavenly Father has given us—especially in the life of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;” -2 Timothy 1:3

• Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
• Perspectives: Man vs. God
• Do You Talk to God as You Would Your Father?
• Christ arose on Easter Day!
• A Hard-Knock Life

Filed under:
Godly Sayings by Dean