Inspired by . . . God’s enduring love
Focusing on Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle, not just a holiday.
Author and breast-cancer survivor Erma Bombeck once shared about a little girl named Christina who was living with cancer of the nervous system.When asked what she wanted for her birthday, she thought long and hard and finally said, 'I don't know. I have two sticker books and a Cabbage Patch doll. I have everything!'
Indeed.
Christina’s response was a great inspiration to Erma when she was tempted to feel ungrateful for her own circumstances. The little girl’s attitude is a good reminder to all of us to be thankful for what we already have, rather than focus on what we want.
Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.2 Chronicles 20:21
Psychologists have found a link between gratitude and dependency upon one another. Those who are ungrateful don’t acknowledge that dependency or feel the need to be helped by others. The same is true with our relationship with God. When we're ungrateful to God, it's because we have failed to see how dependent we are upon Him.
David’s prayers recorded in 2 Samuel 7:18-22 and 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 clearly show a connection between dependency on God and gratitude. It’s easy for us to miss this link in a culture that emphasizes self-sufficiency.
In reality we are all dependent on God for everything - - beginning with the very air we breathe!
Acknowledging this dependency opens the way for praise and thanksgiving!
Blessings,
PS Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page for daily inspirations on cultivating a grateful heart! I would love for you to join the discussion!
Note: My inspiration for this series comes from the November 2009 issue of Today in the Word. A ministry of Moody Bible Institute.
#monthofthanks
Sharing inspiration here:
This may be short, but it's packed with Truth! One quick look around us and we can see the truth in these words. Grateful people are happier people. Self centered people tend to be haters… not to mention no fun to be around! Thanks for the reminder, June.
ReplyDeletethe link between gratitude and dependency. fascinating food for thought, as always, in this lovely place. thanks, June.
ReplyDeletewill be musing on this in the hours to come. a feast, yes.
My mother was a "Mary Tyler Moore" role model growing up. She was fiercely independent, never accepting help from anyone, and taught me the same. As she grew older and really needed help with her Parkinson's it was difficult for her to accept it. She always felt she was putting someone out or bothering people. I tried to explain that most people love to help and are blessed themselves when they are able to lighten another's load. I don't think she ever understood that concept. She always said she was a burden. I never convinced her that it made me feel good to help her. Anyway, I hope this sort of ties in with what you're saying. Your post just brought all that to the front of my mind. I love your writing and wish I had more time to read and respond. Thank you for sharing your spiritual gifts with us.
ReplyDelete