Read: 1 Peter 1:3-12
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (v. 3)
On our first day in this series, we considered a quote by Max Lucado, intended to inspire our thinking in a world of want. The opening line defined gratitude as being “more aware of what you have than what you don’t.”
We can all fall prey to the longings of this world, whether those desires are related to material possessions, professional status, or even recognition for our service in the church, our neighborhood, or community. I hope that as we spend time examining Scripture in relation to gratitude, that feelings of jealousy and envy, resentment, or bitterness you may have carried have decreased. I know my personal load is lighter when I celebrate the goodness of God and let worldly desires fall away. Ideally, the “plenty” in our lives—our families, our homes, our health, and our opportunities—shifts our attention to God’s countless blessings, his unfailing love, and the work he is daily carrying out in us, making us more grateful people.
If you have repented of your sins and accepted God’s gift of forgiveness and grace, you have a living hope and an eternal inheritance that will outshine, outvalue, and outlast anything here on earth. When we live with gratitude, we bless the heart of God, glorifying the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17).
As you pray, ask God to help you live gratefully as a reflection of his love to all around you.
About the Author
Joy Petroelje serves as the grants manager for a faith-based international nonprofit organization. Aside from work, she enjoys family time, coffee or dinner with friends, writing, reading, and running.
