Monday, October 22, 2018

Maintain a Heart of Gratitude

By: Joanne Viola 



Last night I was suddenly struck with how it is getting darker earlier. I had not looked at the clock, was unaware as to the time, and I thought it was much later than it actually was. To look at the clock and discover that it was, in fact, early was surprising to me. Several questions went through my mind:
  • Was it this dark this early yesterday?
  • When did it become so dark so early?
  • How had I missed the progression of darkness?
Have you ever noticed we are not aware of the darkness until the light is gone?

Romans 1:21 tells us something about this process:

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (NIV)
 
The people whom Paul is speaking about knew God. But they were not glorifying Him as God. In other words, they would not worship Him as God. Neither would they give Him thanks. 

And so began the process in their hearts. 

Their thinking became foolish. Their thoughts about God became confused. Their minds went dark.
“An unthankful heart eventually becomes dark.” (Albert Lindsey)
Gratitude is most important and critical to our spiritual health. Here we discover one reason we want to cultivate an attitude of gratitude - We want to keep the light on in our hearts. 

So, with that said, what are you grateful for today? 

In His Love,
Joanne Viola

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

3 comments:

  1. Joanne,
    So true that an ungrateful heart can be a slow progression. A little complaining here...a little grumbling there...and before you know it we're/I'm only looking at the negative (pure darkness) and I can no longer see the light of the goodness that God has so graciously bestowed upon me. Thanks for the reminder to be watchful.
    Blessings sweet friend,
    Bev xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a progression we need to be so mindful of as we never want to be in the dark, without His Light. Grateful for you. xo

      Delete
  2. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit my daughter and grandson this afternoon.

    ReplyDelete

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