Introduction: Thanksgiving – ‘It’s the most time of the year.’
Grateful and thankful are close synonyms that can both some differences between the two:
One is active and the other is passive.
State of being
Gratitude is a mindset that’s a part of who you are, while thankfulness is the expression of that feeling.
Focus
Gratitude is a more general appreciation for what you have, while thankfulness is often a response to something specific that someone has done for you.
Duration
Gratitude is a more lasting emotion that can be cultivated over time, while thankfulness is more about the present moment.
Examples:
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity”.
“I’ll always be grateful for the teachers who taught me good study habits”.
“Sylvia was thankful that the roof didn’t fall down on her during the tornado”.
By definition, thankfulness is feeling pleased and relieved. Gratefulness is showing appreciation for something done or received.
- Forever Thankful – Psalm 107:1
It’s a Place (sense of appreciation) for both big and small things in your life. For things, situations, activities, positions already done or established.
1 Chronicles 16:34 & Psalm 107:1 ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever’.
Application: In many cases, thankfulness arises from something specific, such as someone holding the door open for you.
Gratitude, however, is a more lasting emotion that arises from reflecting on the many things you are thankful for.
Psalm 136:1-26
Psalm 138:1, <A Psalm of David.> ‘I give you thanks Lord, with my whole heart; (NLT)
We can forever be thankful to the Lord for:
- Faith
- Family
- His Word
- His Presence
- His Grace
- His Salvation
100 Things To Be Grateful For https://loveeconomychurch.org/2022/06/23/100-things-to-be-thankful-to-god-for/
Transition: Let me move into some areas where we can and should always be grateful.
II. Always Grateful
Gratitude, however, is a more lasting emotion that arises from reflecting on the many things you are thankful for.
I am always grateful for:
- God’s provision (food-daily bread, clothing)
- My health (knowing that sometimes it’s better than other times)
- My ongoing relationships
- Where I live
- What I get to see, witness, experience (grandkids)
Question: What Hinders Being Grateful?
• Negative Emotions
• Expectations
• Bad Circumstances
- Comparison to others
III. Abundantly Blessed
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11 NLT)
Here are some ways the Bible describes being blessed:
A spiritual state – In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes being blessed as a spiritual state of well-being that is not shaken by poverty, grief, or other trials.
- Receiving God’s Favor
The Greek word translated as “blessed” in the New Testament is makarioi, which means to be fully satisfied. It refers to those who receive God’s favor, regardless of their circumstances.
Proverbs 10:22 ‘The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it’. (NLT)
The blessings of the Lord are a state of being that involves receiving God’s grace and favor, and can include:
Wealth: The blessing of the Lord can bring wealth without painful toil.
Protection: The Lord can provide protection and deliverance from enemies.
Peace: The Lord can give peace through the assurance of His presence.
Joy: The Lord can provide joy.
Freedom: The Lord can provide freedom.
Wisdom: The Lord can provide wisdom.
Abundance: The Lord can provide abundance.
Ability: The Lord can provide ability.
Grace: The Lord can provide grace.
Hold On Tight
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