It’s Time to Be Thankful

Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word, 25 But complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the LORD. (Psalms 106:24-25 NKJV).

What a year 2020 has been! Coronavirus, lockdowns, wildfires, riots, floods, and on goes the list. Despite everything, how many of you can say, "I am blessed?" God has a simple strategy to thrive amid adversity. The secret of a life lived well is thankfulness.

Complaining is toxic. It is first an inward communication that leads to an outward one. Griping is dangerous because you see things through a dark eye. Your pet companions have names such as anger, pain, resentment, and "It's not fair." Grumbling may feel good for a while as you vent your gloomy outlook, but it only works for a short time. Eventually, it backfires as people distance themselves from you and learn to turn a deaf ear.

Israel made their exodus from the slavery of Egypt but took with them their victim mentality. Because they murmured in their tents against God and Moses, a whole generation did not enter their promised land. Complaining is evidence that you are unwilling to be thankful for every good thing in your life that coincides with every negative. You fail to accentuate the goodness of the Lord, opting instead to give attention to the devil's domain.

None of the promises of God will fail you. But you can fail to see them materialize in your lifetime. Take time every day and be grateful. Thank the Lord in all circumstances. You will see things in a better light. Your faith will expand to accommodate more of the goodness of God. Your brain will rewire itself to see situations in the most optimistic way possible. Grateful thinking produces positive feelings and emotions. Intentionally cultivate them and become the great person God means you to be.