3 Steps to Being a More Thankful Person

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Ever wonder the secret to being thankful? I believe the secret to being thankful is in learning to be more content. We give thanks out of a heart overflowing with gratefulness. A full heart naturally produces gratitude. How do we do that? The apostle Paul told us he had learned the secret. I think Paul gave us some clues earlier in his letter to the Philippians. Here’s Paul’s remedy: (He says he’s going to tell us one thing—then he gives us three—typical Paul.)

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13–14‬)

Here is Paul’s remedy: Forgetting what is behind. Has it been a tough year? Have you made some mistakes? That day is gone. Did you know that? It’s over. Done. Gone. The question now is what are you going to do about it? Are you going to live in the past? Hold on to guilt? Refuse the grace of God in your life? If you’re lonely, you sulk or get up and get out among people—find some friends and let them invest in you? You can let the past control you or move forward. Not both. Which will you choose? Remembering what is ahead. The best days are ahead if you’re a child of God. He’s writing a story with a happy ending, where all things work for an ultimate good. Right now we have more questions than answers. Someday He will provide for His children a Sabbath rest. And have you ever seen a sunset that took your breath away or marveled at the beauty of a mountain reaching into a clouded sky? Well, just wait. “No eye has seen” what God has prepared. Pursue worthy goals. Pursue Christ. Honor Him with your life. Have the mind of Christ. Invest in others. Love one another. Pray for your enemies. Do good—expecting nothing in return. And later in Philippians Paul shares that the “peace of God” will guard your hearts. You will be filled with contentment. And you’ll find yourself being a more thankful person.

Ron Edmondson pastors Immanuel Baptist Church. Find out more at:http://www.ronedmondson.com/about