BLOG POST: A life that reflects Gratefulness to God by Rev. Grace Reyes

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2      Worship the LORD with gladness;

    come before him with joyful songs.

3  Know that the LORD is God.

    It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;

    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4  Enter his gates with thanksgiving

    and his courts with praise;

    give thanks to him and praise his name.

5  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 105:1-5 NIV

How can I reflect a life that is grateful, in my actions and in what I express in words? I began to list all the things that I am grateful for. My family comes to mind, and when they do, I think of how having been born into it was good even when things were bad. I can be an example to those unsaved on how blessed I am.

When I was diagnosed with lung cancer my first thought was, why me, why now. Today I walk in gratitude for what I have learned on this journey. I am grateful for the increased faith that I have, that I pray more over situations that used to throw me into despair and that because of my experience and healing I now can testify to those who are going through things themselves.

God has been good to me, for this simple reason I give Him honor and praise. Just as the Psalmist proclaims in Psalm 105, I enter His gates with thanksgiving, and I take every opportunity to praise His holy name. Because He endures forever! There is a confidence that comes from having been in valley’s that strengthens the human spirit.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22–23 NIV

I want my life to reflect that, to testify of His unending goodness and blessings. Lamentations expresses the honest declaration of someone who endures suffering but knows who God is. It becomes a reflection of gratefulness to God that is both beautiful and profound. Gratitude is the act of appreciating and acknowledging the blessings, both big and small that one receives from God.

Here are some of my reflections on gratefulness to God:

• Humility – when you are grateful it fosters humility. You are reminded that we are not self-sufficient that there is a greater power at work in our lives.
• Faithfulness - A grateful heart will experience joy even when facing adversity. This fosters faith and hope and trusts that there is a divine purpose behind all we are experiencing.
• Generosity: Gratitude often leads to a desire to give back and help others. When we recognize the blessings we've received, we are more inclined to share our resources, time, and love with those who are less fortunate.
• Resilience: Gratitude acts as a source of strength during the tough times. People who are grateful to God will trust what is operating in the realm that they cannot see with their natural eye and be confident that God is working all things for their good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
• Connection with God: Gratitude deeps one’s connection with their faith, it will help you find contentment in the present moment. You will come to a place that knows that prayer changes things.
• Intimacy: A grateful heart desires to be intimate with God, your soul will cry out to Him, will seek Him, and find peace in His presence.

A life that reflects gratitude to God exemplifies humility, faithfulness, generosity, resilience, connection with God and will seek intimacy. I know what the Psalmist felt when he rejoiced in the thought of walking with the Lord, that he entered His gates with thanksgiving. I long for the moments I sit with God and pray to Him, thank Him for all that He does for me and mine. I know that without Him my life would be very dark, I have experienced it firsthand, and I remember all too well what it was like to walk without an anchor. Taste and see that the Lord is good, I have.

Rev. Grace Reyes
Founder of Blessed Keys Ministry