Let’s Talk About Gratitude
For today’s reflection, let’s focus on Ephesians 5:20.
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Did Paul really mean everything? What if I lose my job? What if my spouse doesn’t appreciate me? What if my health fails? How can we possibly give thanks in those situations?
The reality is that we can always find a “what if” that makes gratitude seem impossible. But true thankfulness goes beyond our circumstances, whether they are good or bad. Gratitude is not about how life is going; it’s about knowing that God is ultimately in control.
When Paul wrote today’s verse, he was in prison, waiting to defend himself before Nero—a man known for his cruelty. Nero was ruthless, even killing his own mother, his first wife, and his second wife. One historian put it starkly: “It is better to be Nero’s dog than his relative.” Despite all this, Paul still found a way to be thankful.
So, how can Paul—and how can we—have gratitude in all circumstances?
It comes down to what we choose to focus on. When we focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, our perspective changes. One writer said, “When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”
Even during difficult times, there are blessings to count. Gratitude is what turns complaints about thorny rose bushes into the joy of discovering roses among the thorns.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.