From the Pulpit: Thankfulness reminds me of God’s goodness

An attitude of gratitude helps us to see the goodness around us. Has it been difficult for you to see the good lately? Negativity, pain, and frustration all seem to be louder than the soft voice of the things that are good. 

At times we impulsively react to the people and circumstances that surround us. I have discovered that my impulsive reactions don’t tend to lead me to a good attitude. We can choose how we think about our circumstances and our choices impact our disposition, which in turn influence our attitude.

As you are reading this article, I encourage you to take a moment and choose thankfulness. Together let us think about our circumstances from a heart of gratitude. What is one thing you are thankful for right now? Push past the automatic list of loud frustrations and hurts to zoom in on something to be thankful. Is it a struggle?

When I struggle to find that one thing to focus on and my mind bounces from frustration to frustration, I often land on the goodness of God. Nahum 1:7 says, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.” The goodness of God almost always becomes the solid foundation that I can then start to be thankful for other things. I start to think of the blessings of life. I’m reminded of the people I love and that I know love me. I start to dwell on the good rather than the bad.

I pray that during this season, as we move towards Thanksgiving the holiday, we will be able to choose to dwell on things that allow us to breathe deeply with thanks. When we feel like that is not coming easily, let us join with the Psalmist and say, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1). It will change the way you think.