Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Benefits of Thankfulness, part 2

My heart overflows

Thankfulness Produces Satisfaction


by Jeana Gladstone

If I don’t focus on the things God has given and pause to express my thanks to him, then not only do I miss many of his blessings, but I put myself into a constant state of wanting.  Always asking, always desiring, always wanting, but never being satisfied with what he gives; never recognizing every good and perfect gift that comes from the Father.  


If I’m always asking, but never thankful, then I am not receiving from him.  There is so much he wants to give, but it’s not always the same as what I would ask for - his ways are not our ways.  How arrogant of me to think I know better what I need than the One who created my inmost being.  


If I’m always asking, not only am I not receiving from him, but neither am I giving to him.  My gratitude feeds him.  It satisfies him deeply.  He breathes in my praise; he drinks my expressions of thanks, and he is fulfilled.  Something in the heart of God is touched and made content.  

It’s like fruit to him.  The fruit of my lips becomes his food.  Mind boggling.  

At some point in our lives we’ve probably all been told to slow down and chew our food -  receive it with thanksgiving; savor it, carefully chew and swallow receiving nourishment - not just scarf it down.  In the same way we must learn to savor and carefully chew life’s blessings.  This is the only way we can receive fulfillment and satisfaction.  



Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.  And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Proverbs 15:15
A cheerful heart has a continual feast