We are halfway through year nine of daily gratitude. Some of you have walked with me from the beginning. I try to keep gratitude fresh and new, but there are some things that must be revisited on occasion.
Why keep a gratitude journal? This image nails it perfectly:
"It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful."
Say it again. Now, ponder the premise before accepting it. It is not a flippant saying. It is a deep and abiding truth spiritual truth. There are times some scriptures become so familiar, it is easy to miss the deep wisdom or practical instruction.
God inhabits the praise of His people.
"Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever." -Psalm 136:13
The Red Sea parting was a big event in the lives of the Israelites. After years in slavery and suffering, they had the Red Sea before them and the Pharaoh's army behind them. They courageously pressed into the unknown. Their moments of gratitude and trust moved God to respond in big ways. (They did a fair amount of complaining, too... but that is for another day.)
When are we to be grateful? We are to give thanks all circumstances.
"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:18
Yes, be grateful in ALL things. There are days when gratitude flows. Other days, we have to dig a little deeper. We have to intentionally reframe the undesirable situation until we can see with His eyes and hear with His ears. It is so much easier when well rested.
In science, we sometimes hear "there is no correlation". There are times that means we need to dig a little deep and ask different questions. The Bible gives us many passages on the correlation between gratitude and joy.
"All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. " -2 Corinthians 4:15-16
We never give up because He never gives up on us. We celebrate His grace that reaches into our biggest messes and renews our spirits. Gratitude yields joy.
Today, I am grateful for the gratitude and joy correlation.
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