Thanks-living: The Heart’s Response to Grace

By Dr. Eric Scalise
President, Hope for the Heart

Gratitude. Thankfulness. These are words we often think we understand. 

But then life becomes difficult. The unexpected happens. The unwanted takes place. And we find that we don’t yet have the perspective of time, space, lament, and contemplation to carry us through. We wait for the still small voice of God to comfort, explain, and encourage. Or as the prophet Elijah experienced in the wilderness during a moment of testing and angst, the “gentle whisper” of the Lord simply tries to draw us near (1 Kings 19:11).

Yet, sometimes, the whispers do more. Beloved author and theologian, C.S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” The Lord offers gratitude as a healing alternative.

Circumstances or Contentment?

The truth is, we are often called to be thankful when it seems like everything around us is screaming for a different response. Gratitude begins with understanding God’s character, not with distressing over our condition. 

The apostle Paul put it this way: “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Notice he didn’t say “for” all circumstances, but “in” them. Small words can make a big difference. When we offer thanks even during the hardest and most challenging of times, grace, much like love, is released and covers much.

Expressing gratitude shifts our attention from what may be missing or broken to that which the Lord is already providing and where He is already showing Himself to be faithful. Yesterday’s grace almost always helps with tomorrow’s uncertainty. It doesn’t minimize or remove suffering – it magnifies our awareness of His presence, and it helps bring God’s character into better focus much like the lens of a camera. 

Gratefulness becomes great-fullness when our expectations allow humility and gratitude to walk together as like-minded companions. This is the antidote to entitlement.

Discontentment on the other hand, breeds dissatisfaction, displeasure, and disgruntlement. It is the child of insecurity and the familiar result whenever we feel unfulfilled with our status, position, possessions, or circumstances. We are ever thirsting for “the more,” but not necessar­ily in a healthy way. 

Paul told Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take noth­ing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:6–7). This was one of his life lessons, and it forged the path of true discipleship. He said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:11–12).

What Does the Research Say?

Gratitude is one of the most extensively researched topics within the positive psychology movement today. The findings affirm what Scripture has been telling us for thousands of years: thankfulness doesn’t fix or cure all, but it can improve spiritual and emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and even improve some aspects of physical health. A large systematic review and meta-analysis of 64 separate studies by the National Institutes of Health revealed that gratitude not only enriches life satisfaction but also helps mediate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

When we choose to focus on what we are thankful for, there are other benefits as well, such as less rumination and worry, better sleep cycles, and building resilience. Plus, gratitude changes the things we notice. Charles Spurgeon, the English “Prince of Preachers,” once said, “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy. I think that better than Thanksgiving is thanks-living. How is this to be done? By a cheerfulness of manner, obedience to the command of Him by whose mercy we live, by a personal delighting of ourselves in the Lord, and by submission of our desire to His will.”

While research examines what gratitude does, the Bible often speaks to what gratitude reveals. Instead of only measuring its effects, God’s Word leads us to the source. And though the world may learn and practice the benefits of gratitude because the results can be worthwhile, as Christ followers, we practice gratitude as a discipline of faith because God is worthy.

What Are You Thankful For?

For many of us, this time of year can be a season of deeper and more meaningful reflection. And that can be a good thing, especially if it leads to a posture of gratitude, a more settled heart, and the acceptance of grace. So, I close with that which I ponder as I write… desiring to approach this coming season of Thanksgiving with a renewed spirit of Thanks-living.

• I’m thankful for grace undeserved, mercy unasked for, and forgiveness unexpected.
• I’m thankful for complete acceptance, redemption apart from anything I can offer, and adoption by the One who created me.
• I’m thankful for family, loved ones, and countless lessons learned along the way.
• I’m thankful for the very next breath He gives me.
• I’m thankful for deep, authentic, and meaningful friendships and relationships.
• I'm thankful for answered prayers, as well as the many answers, in God's wisdom, that have yet to reveal themselves.
• I’m thankful for loving correction, needed admonishment, and for truthtellers in my life.
• I’m thankful for every question and every tear, for surely they will be resolved and wiped away in His time.
• I’m thankful for the love of the Father, the sacrifice of His Son, and the comfort of His Spirit.
• I’m thankful for the never ending, never empty, never describable majesty of God, and the utter fulfillment of all things when I am in His presence. 

What are you thankful for today?

Featured Resource 

Our new 31-day journal, Growing in Gratitude, is designed to help you slow down, notice God’s grace in your everyday life, and cultivate a heart of gratitude. 
 

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