An Attitude of Gratitude - part 2

Last week we concluded our discussion with the thought about “taking the high road” in the choices and decisions that we daily make. So how do we do this? How do we develop and nurture a positive attitude when we are down in the trenches and living our daily lives?

One powerful way to influence our attitude choices is to focus on what we could be grateful for or thankful for in our life. I would suggest that we as Mothers of Nations start with God! What is it about our God that should continually cause gratefulness to overflow from our hearts and lives?

First of all, God is good. He is good ALL the time, not just sometimes.

In fact, He ABOUNDS in goodness.

•  Exodus 34: 6 (KJV)

And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth.

•  1 Chronicles 16: 34

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love (mercy) endures forever.

Because of God’s goodness He blesses those who trust Him, He does good, and He gives good gifts. (James 1: 17)

Another truth that should stir gratitude in our hearts is that God restores.

•  Deuteronomy 30: 3-13

He will restore all you lost. (Job got back double.)

•  Jeremiah 30: 17

I will restore your health and heal your wounds.

When God restores, it is more than just a temporary makeover. It is a complete “do over,” better than the past. The word “restore” means repair, rebuild, reconstruct, redecorate. Have you lost a job? Believe for a better one.  Have you lost a house? Believe for another one. Have you lost hope? Gain hope, plus faith, plus joy!

Here's another truth about our God that has power to shift our attitude and boost our gratitude every time it wavers. God is always and forever!

•  Matthew 28: 20

Jesus said to His disciples, “And behold, I am always with you.”

•  Jeremiah 33: 3

Call upon Me and I will answer you…and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Mothers of Nations, our God is everywhere, available, and alert to our cry. He is always watching, always on time, always better, always good, always forever, and always there.

God said to Joshua:  Wherever you go, I will be there.

God said to Moses:  I will be with you.

God said to His disciples:  Till the end of the ages I will be with you.

God says to us through His Word that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

•  Romans 8: 38-39

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord.

NOTHING can disconnect us from God! There isn’t anything that we have done, should have done, or that has been done to us that can keep God from loving us.

As we conclude this week, I would ask you to take some time over the next several days and think about our God. Meditate on His goodness, His restoring power, and that He is with us always and forever. Allow these truths to sink deep within your heart and begin to nurture your attitude of gratitude with them.

Blessings to each of you,

Dr. Sharon Predovich