A man had a habit of grumbling at the food his wife placed before him at family meals. Then he would ask the blessing.
One day after his usual combination complaint-prayer, his little girl asked, “Daddy, does God hear us when we pray?”
“Why, of course,” he replied. “He hears us every time we pray.”
She paused on this a moment, and asked, “Does He hear everything we say the rest of the time?”
“Yes, dear, every word,” he replied, encouraged that he had inspired his daughter to be curious about spiritual matters. However, his pride was quickly turned to humility at his daughter’s next question.
“Then, which does God believe?” (1)
Like the father in this story, many of us are often caught complaining more than we are caught expressing gratitude.
Yet, when our speech is filled with more ungratefulness than thankfulness, it is a symptom of a heart problem.
“..out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” - Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)
So how can we overcome the sin of ungratefulness and experience a life of thankfulness that pleases God?
1. OFFER A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
Praise is not a suggestion; it is a command. God considers our praise to be valuable!
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. - Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
2. OFFER A SACRIFICE OF PRAYER
Before you ask God for anything, thank Him for the blessings he has already given you. If you have breath in your lungs, you have something to thank God for! Practice listing the things you are thankful for and speaking them out loud during your prayer time. Soon your attitude of ungratefulness will turn to an attitude of gratitude.
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. - Psalm 141:2 (KJV)
3. OFFER THE SACRIFICE YOU
Jesus sacrificed His life, through the shedding of His blood, for each one of us so that we may have abundant life! We were not put on this earth to live for our own desires and preferences. God specifically designed and called each one of us for a purpose greater than ourselves. If you are struggling with ungratefulness, it may be time to lay your will on the altar and surrender to God’s will for your life.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. - Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
When you find yourself struggling with ungratefulness, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Have I praised God today?
2. Have I prayed and thanked God today?
3. Have I surrendered myself to God today?
Do these three things and watch your ungratefulness turn to thankfulness!
(1) “Grumbling and Thanking.” Ministry127. Accessed November 21, 2022. https://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/grumbling-and-thanking.
Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving peace in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.
Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.
Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin.
Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.
Subscribe to EricGilbert.org using this link:https://www.ericgilbert.org/subscribe. You'll be able to receive updates directly to your email inbox as we post blogs every Monday and Friday morning.
Comments