The first step in experiencing a grateful Kingdom heart is to find personal clarity on the end-game. There is a woven thread in the Word of God that leads us toward a grateful heart: “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.“ Hebrews 13:14-16
Once we acknowledge the value of thankfulness we can move toward the “weight of eternal glory.” We are free to integrate our lives into the ultimate goals of our King. What do you think this means: eternal weight of glory? Take some time to contemplate this!
“But having this same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and then I spoke,” we also believe and we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not merely at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
So gratefulness is all about belonging to our Creator and honoring Him through our choices to learn about and to live a grateful life. Clarity about what matters is supposed to be a part of our every day as well as our belief “system.” When the belonging part is solid the honor will follow.
This leads us to a joyful and singing life toward our neighbors and our brothers and sisters. “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 Does this seem liberating to you?
The Psalms are loaded with teaching about thankfulness – here is one from Psalm 9: “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice expressively in You;I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” This thread in Psalms can give you hours of insight.
And this kind of gratefulness is not only for the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve. “And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.” Revelation 11:16-17
Praying for expansion of our grateful hearts.
Dave and Burnadette
More:
The Grateful Soul