The Wonders of a Thankful Attitude

And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings:… (Amos 4:5 KJV)

A thankful heart and the grateful attitude that it produces will work wonders in your life: it will put a smile on God’s face, break chains in your heart, and put you in line for the supernatural, and will refresh those who relate with you like a cold drink on a hot summer day.

A thankful heart is a spiritual sacrifice to God, as Amos 4:5 above states. Sacrifices in the Old Testament(OT) brought pleasure to God’s heart as a fragrant aroma. As I discussed in prior Deshen Daily devotionals, those OT animal sacrifices were only a shadow of the real sacrifices that God wanted. Hebrews 13:15 tells us when we open our mouths and genuinely express thanksgiving to God; they are the true spiritual sacrifices that are well-pleasing to the Lord.

An attitude of thankfulness circles back to positively change the person who is thankful. Gratefulness in our heart breaks chains that hinder our hearts from practically connecting with the Spirit of God and opens our hearts for the supernatural. It is no spiritual coincidence that when we are bitter, ungrateful, and dark inside, we turn to attract bitter and dark circumstances in life. Therefore, the Lord commands us to guard our hearts diligently because our lives are determined by it; one way to take care of our hearts is by maintaining a grateful spirit.

A thankful spirit also pours refreshing water on those around us. Who amongst us enjoys hanging around a spouse, brother, sister, friend, or neighbor who never sees value in anything anyone has ever done for them or feels they do not need anyone because they are self-sufficient? An attitude of ingratitude is poison to any human relationship. On the contrary, when we sincerely appreciate the things people do for us, not only do we change the way we perceive them, but the people we relate with are encouraged and inspired as they connect with us.

So thanksgiving is critical in your life as a Christian. Not only will it reach God’s heart, but it will positively affect you and those around you.

What are the wonders of thanksgiving discussed above?

Make it a habit to think about things God has done for you that have benefited you. Then genuinely express your gratitude by telling Him thank you. Do the same to your spouse, sibling, parents, children, or friends. Spread the wonders of thanksgiving!

Thank the Father for the beautiful gift of Jesus in our lives.