Gratitude is defined as “The quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for, and to return kindness.” God’s grace evokes gratitude in one’s heart, and a thankful heart will express it. But, sadly, many lack gratitude and are not thankful for the blessings God give us every day. In fact, more and more are becoming atheistic in their thinking. Such a mindset is void of God, the true source of gratitude. For example, nineteenth century English writer Harriet Martineau was something of an atheist. One day, revelling in the beauties of an autumn morning, she burst out, “Oh, I’m so grateful!” – to which her believing companion replied, “Grateful to whom, my dear?”

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Romans 1: 21-22 says, “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.” We still live in a world that more often than not, fails to glorify God and thank Him for His wondrous blessings. The charge against Belshazzar in the Old Testament was: “The God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified” (Dan. 5: 23). Sadly though, Romans 1:21 indicts not only the world in general; it also indicts us. We often fail to count our blessing and express our gratitude to God “who richly supplies us with all things we enjoy. (1 Tim. 6: 17; Jas. 1: 17). Neglect and ingratitude i.e. the failure to glorify God and be thankful leads to darkened minds which in turn leads to darkened lives. (Rom. 1: 23-32).

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Johnson Oatman, Jr’s hymn admonishes us toward gratitude and thankfulness.

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“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

 

Are you grateful to God? Do you glorify, honor, and give thanks to Him every day? Think on these things.

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Dennis Abernathy