Precept for Reflection: Why is gratitude so linked to joy/fulfillment? 

One of my favorite writers penned this line: “O Thou who has given us so much, mercifully grant us one more thing–a grateful heart” (George Herbert). 

Have you ever met an inveterate malcontent, someone who traffics in resentment and anger? Usually, ingratitude is not far from the picture. Ungrateful people tend to be quite sad people. And grateful people tend to manifest joy/fulfillment. 

Sure, we all have reasons to be resentful, angry, and sad over injustices, unfairnesses, or misdeeds done to us; I am no stranger to those feelings either. But if we allow those emotions to overwhelm us, they atrophy the joys we might otherwise discover. 

Scripture: I appreciate Scripture’s teaching on this issue. Paul was writing from prison. (Don’t miss that: prison!), and he penned these words: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8, ESV). 

I am no Pollyanna; I’m quite aware of human nature and of what we call in theology human depravity. But I’m also aware of the role of gratitude for the blessings that come to us by the kind providence of God. 

Encouragement: Yes, the world is a mess. Yes, we’re amidst a cultural/values civil war in the West. Yes, these are times charged with peril. How much more important, then, is it that believers manifest gratitude for being able to bear witness to the good news that God has come to save sinners? And we certainly qualify for that label.