Are you ready for the year 2020 to be done?
After all that has happened – from the threat of volcanic eruption to a deadly pandemic, the aftermath of the back-to-back typhoons to the loss of your livelihood even loved ones – you might have muttered, “Can this year end already?”
Is it possible to be thankful to God in the midst of all the troubles and challenges you face? Indeed, it is.
The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).
Being grateful is not ignoring nor dismissing the raw feelings of hurt and hardship you have at the moment. According to Dr. David Murray in his article featured in Tabletalk Magazine, the key to being grateful is in finding cause for thanksgiving whatever circumstances we are in.
Moreover, gratitude isn’t just a word – it is an action word. You start, you go and you give with thanksgiving in your heart. Gratitude expresses your faith and here are some ways to demonstrate it:
Start with a smile
Isn’t it amazing to start your day with a bright smile and thank God for the gift of life?
It is good to note that despite all the chaos, you are still here – breathing and living the moment. You have food to eat, the roof above your head, and a chance to spend time with your loved ones. Those are more than enough reasons to smile and thank God for His goodness, faithfulness, and love!
Smile, look around you and see how it would positively affect others and set the atmosphere right. Psychological Science says that smiling can help reduce the intensity of the body’s stress response, so use it as an opportunity to display God’s kindness and glorify Him!
Go and thank someone
When was the last time you sincerely thanked someone? When was the last time you actually stopped and appreciated the people around you?
Maybe you need to go and thank the cleaner in your office who keeps your space clean, the delivery man who brought your item just in time, or your spouse who constantly makes you a cup of coffee. Perhaps, you need to say ‘thanks’ to a friend who checks up on you or your parents. Thank people for simply existing and blessing you with their lives!
Utter some words of appreciation and see how their faces would light up!
Give and bless someone
It is one thing to survive a crisis and another to thrive in the aftermath of it. One way to show gratitude for what you have and show empathy to people who lost their jobs or loved ones is to bless them.
Know how it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35c NIV). You can be a blessing by serving free meals, raising funds for affected families, or partnering with organizations that bring relief and encouragement to kababayans in need.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5 NLT)
The attitude of gratitude does not mean denying your own needs or feelings. It is boldly believing that the storms won’t last. It is holding on to that faith that no matter what happens, your Heavenly Father is ready to take you through – with sustenance, love, and grace.
Are you looking for ways to demonstrate gratefulness and gratitude? You can partner with us today in bringing hope and aid to our kababayans!
If you need someone to pray for you, do not hesitate to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 and we would love to stand with you through prayers.