Gratitude Attitude: Part 2

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
 
12 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, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
 
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
 
Philippians 4:11-13
 
This was written by Paul in 62 AD, while he was in prison. So when he writes being content in every situation, he knows what he is saying.
 
What is the secret? The secret boils down to one thing, TRUST. Do you trust God?
 
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
 
Romans 8:28
 
What does this have to do with gratitude?
 
GRATITUDE  =  TRUST
 
Gratitude will sustain you through whatever storm you are going through. Through whatever problem you face. We are called to be grateful.
 
16 Rejoice always,
 
17 pray continually,
 
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 
To give thanks in all circumstances is His will for us. This means whatever problem you face, whatever unfair situation you find yourself in, God’s will for you is to give thanks. Why? because
 
GRATITUDE  =  TRUST
The joy of the lord is our strength.
Nehemiah 8:10
 
GRATITUDE  =  TRUST  =  JOY  = STRENGTH
 
If you are able to be grateful in all situations, then you will be better able to trust God, (it is His will for us to always give thanks), this will bring joy, and with that joy comes strength. Which helps us overcome what we are going through, resulting in more gratitude and so on. It is a cycle.
 
But where does this all start? With GRATITUDE (Praise)
 
The enemy and the world will always do his best to keep you quiet, depressed, anxious, sad, lonely, angry, jealous. Why? Because as long as you are chained up in those emotions (those emotions are chains), you are not going to give God thanks (praise Him).
 
He has set us free!
 
It all starts with Gratitude. The foundation of our faith begins with Thanking being grateful to Jesus for saving us, dying for us, for setting us free.
 
You may say, you have nothing to be grateful for, well your salvation is one we can all be grateful for.
 
My challenge to you all tonight is to choose gratitude, no matter what comes your way. We cannot control our problems, but we can change how we respond to them. Choose to give thanks in all circumstances