Not long ago, we had a “Fall Clean-up Day” at the Campaign church of Christ building. While doing such work, I reflected upon how thankful we are to have such a nice facility in which to worship. God has blessed our congregation and so many congregations throughout our country and the world in many ways, and for this, we have grateful hearts.
When I think about grateful people in the Bible, I think of men such as Daniel. After being forbidden from praying by the law of the land for 30 days, we read in Daniel 6:10, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel was grateful.
In Luke 1:46-55, we read how grateful hearts behave as Mary says, “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.”
Even the angels of Heaven have grateful hearts. They give thanks. Revelation 7:11-12 says, “And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
In our efforts to maintain within us grateful hearts, let us remember to transfer our attention and affection to higher and holier matters. Colossians 3:1-4 says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Brothers and sisters, let us show our appreciation every day to the God Who made us, sustains us, and blesses us. We should be grateful always unto our God!
-Jason Gann
