Gratitude Develops Humility

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 26, 2017

Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 29:19

I watch our grandchildren ages one month to seven years and marvel at their manners. It is precious to see them learning how to be grateful by using phrases like, “Thank you Pop, for this delicious pancake” or “BiBi, thanks for letting me spend the night at your house.”  Their gratitude makes us proud and hopefully, it develops humility in their tender hearts. Their childlike appreciation endears us even more to their humble spirits. A humble and grateful heart captures other hearts. A lot of things in life are overrated—but being a grandparent is not one of them!

In a similar fashion, our heavenly Father is drawn by our humble praise and gratitude for His goodness and glory. He inhabits the praises of His people. He shows us favor when our heart’s sole desire is to desire Him. When we thank Him for the simple gifts of a delicious meal or a warm home—it warms Christ’s heart. Jesus gains more of us and we gain more of Jesus when we give Him sincere appreciation. So we say, thank you, Lord, for giving us time to be with You.

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” (Psalm 107:21).

Though uncomfortable at times, it is for our benefit when we are humbled by our circumstances. Perhaps we rushed to make a decision only to discover we did not have all the facts. The consequences of our choices can make us better or make us bitter. Thus, we learn to thank the Lord in the middle of a thankless responsibility. We may feel taken advantage of, but we know our heavenly Father will take care of us. When we still praise and thank Him in the middle of difficult days, He can entrust us with more blessings. Gratitude to God grows our humility.

Therefore, be intentional in expressing your appreciation to your heavenly Father. Humble yourself in worship, praise, confession, and repentance. Tell him how grateful you are for Him. For God’s love, thank Him. For God’s grace, praise Him. For God’s healing, shout hallelujah. Acknowledge the Lord’s blessings and favor from a humble heart and He will raise you up to represent Him. Indeed God uses your gratitude to develop your heart of humility and grace. He is drawn to your contrite spirit. The Lord looks with favor on a faith full of gratitude and humility.

“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).

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