The Attitude Of Gratitude

Jack Davis

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4. Being thankful is to result in “Blessing His Name.” The Hebrew word here, Strong’s says expresses “to throw out the hand; especially to revere or worship with extended hands.”

Thinking of God’s great goodness and grace, we realize that there is that which prompts feelings of gratefulness. There are those things to consider about our Father in heaven that stimulate thanksgiving and praise. Certain elements of His bountiful giving with His Son, create a lively activity of thanksliving. Divine provision appropriated in reality produces expressions of appreciation.

Romans 1:21, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imagination, and their foolish heart was darkened.” The nature, and attitude of fallen humanity is ingratitude, which is a significant end time trait. Shall we not judge it in our lives? II Timothy 3:2. To be unthankful seems to lead to the decline of understanding. And thus tend toward vain imaginations, which are empty futile speculations. But thank God the opposite must be true. Gratitude for that which is, and is divinely revealed opens the way for deeper clearer understanding.

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Col. 3:15. Thankfulness has indeed some marvelous companions for our course here, but will be most fully expressed in our blessed occupation over on the other side.