The Heart Of Gratitude - Romans 11:36

 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
 - Romans 11:36

    Everything we have, are, possess, enjoy, defend, and love have their beginnings in God. There is nothing created or sustained that is not of God. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” - Genesis 1:1. That is the totality of existence described in one sentence. If we have it in our lives we should be grateful for the providence of God since without Him, neither we nor what we love would not exist! “And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” - Colossians 1:17.
    As we join with family and friends over a Thanksgiving dinner, we should remember the source, the genesis of all we have to be thankful for, beginning with God Almighty. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” - James 1:17.
    Many of us spend far too much of our lives complaining and grousing about the things we don’t have. We pine over the things we think would fulfill us. We mourn over the things we feel have been denied to us. The old adage comes into view here - “Be careful what you wish for.” Do we ever think that there is a good reason, a godly reason, we have failed to obtain these whimsical desires? Could it be that in God’s wisdom He has deemed that what we wish for would do us more harm than good? Do we ever take those moments of denial to refocus our hearts and minds on things that truly will be of benefit to us? “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” - James 4:3.
    But what of all the things we do have? Consider your home, your family, your friends, your education, your job, your very life and all the gracious gifts that God has bestowed upon you. Count each and every blessing! An honest assessment will prove that you have more than you lack. Be grateful for the things you have. Many others have been denied even that.
    And if you should suffer a loss of health, employment, a loved one, or a family member is ripping away at your sense of contentment, remember the words of Paul. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4: 11-13.
    This is the heart of gratitude: to be content in any circumstance God sees fit to place us in.
What may seem like an unbearable burden upon our bodies, minds, and souls, has come upon us for a reason. And we may never know why. But trusting in God can bring us through anything we face in life. Things may not end up the way we had hoped or planned but be sure, they end up according to God’s plan for us. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
    A grateful heart brings sunshine even on the cloudiest day. With gratitude comes peace of mind and soul. Take a moment today to share with family and friends all the reasons you are grateful, Then thank God!
Happy Thanksgiving!