A Grateful Heart Flows from a Contented Soul

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. As we partake in our turkey feast, many will be going through that wonderful tradition of naming something for which they are grateful. But what if you are not grateful? Inwardly you groan; desperately hoping you aren’t the first one to speak so you can figure out what in the world to say—something that at least sounds good.

Deep down you truly want to be a grateful person. You know you’re supposed to be. The Bible says to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thes 5:18). But it’s been a very tough year and you just can’t seem to get there.

People tell you it’s a choice—and it is.

However, wouldn’t it be great if you could develop an attitude of gratitude which emanates from the core of your being, instead of only from a strong act of your will?

You CAN, by learning to be content!

A grateful heart flows from a contented soul!

If the Apostle Paul could learn how to be content in the most dismal of circumstances, so can we!

When I was growing up, I was never satisfied. I complained a lot. I used to love that Rolling Stones song “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction!” Great beat and tune. But I think I liked it so much because it resonated with the longing that was in my soul.

One day, as a senior in high school my perturbed boyfriend said this: “You’re never satisfied, Rose, never happy!” Those words woke me up. So I tried to change, but to no avail.

The years continued to pass with that ever-present deep-seated longing. I had a decent job, a comfortable home, and a wonderful husband who loved me. Yet there was still that aching emptiness inside. Is this all there is? There has to be something more. Finally—on the morning of my salvation—I found it, or rather Him.

Jesus Christ Himself was what I was looking for all of my life!

Without Christ, I wasn’t complete. I was like an unfinished painting or a puzzle with a missing piece desperately seeking to be made whole.

In vain I tried to fill that hole with everything except the One who could make me truly whole.

Ironically, that emptiness is what made me eventually turn to God. God’s method of completing you and I is through His Son.

May you experience the love of Christ…. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Eph 3:19 NLT)

As I began to abide in Christ, I realized that I should let God fill my needs; that I shouldn’t try to fill them myself—in my own ineffective way. Little by little I was becoming more whole in Him. And gratitude began to flow from my contented soul that was now at rest in my Provider. I was becoming satisfied.

My friends, this is a much better way to live!

You and I can learn to be content and give thanks in all circumstances. I’ve written a lot about this before so you can check out the resources below to help you develop a contented soul. Start with making a list and why you are grateful for them (see last week’s post). Then, my friend, you won’t have to hesitate around the Thanksgiving table! Instead, you’ll want to be the first one to thank God!

…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Phil 4:11)

Resources
Learning to Be Content blog series
Abiding in Christ blog series
7 Secrets to the Abundant Life  Free E-book
Free workbook Learn to Be Content No Matter Your Circumstances!

 

 

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,

The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.