How To Be Grateful When Nothing Around You Has Changed

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Philippians 4:11 (KJV)

Many people ask me how to be thankful and grateful, especially during rough times.

We all go through trials in life, and understand that sometimes it takes more than just a positive attitude.

Apostle Paul, who wrote Philippians, speaks directly to this pain that we all feel. He expresses the heart of gratitude as a learned skill.

Many of us think that praying for gratitude will automatically give us happiness and hope, but Paul tells us that he has learned to be content with whatever comes his way.

We need to understand that contentment is never automatic. It's actually a choice.

What we also don't realize is the way God teaches contentment is not by giving you everything you want.

Instead, He gave us Jesus Christ, who is more than what we could ask for.

The struggle isn't that God isn't blessing us. Where most of us struggle is the preconceived notion and expectation that God has to change our situation and match our standards.

Paul is saying the complete opposite. He learned how to have peace even when the situation didn't change.

That hits differently, because anybody can feel happy and grateful when everything is going their way.

What most people don't realize, too, is that Paul was writing this epistle from prison. He wasn't in a situation of comfort or taking a vacation.

He was literally in the dungeon, which is one of the closest things to hell on earth.

Paul learned that Christ is deeper than any of our circumstances.

Paul understood that he had needs and he had wants, just like many of us do, but he also understood that Christ was more than enough for any of his circumstances.

I'm not saying you shouldn't desire anything in life. You can desire marriage and peace without allowing those desires to become your God.

Because once those desires do become your God, then peace becomes impossible.

Paul had to unlearn the heart of "I cannot be okay unless I have this."

He recognized that that's not freedom but bondage, and this is where he comes up with one of the most famous verses in the Bible:

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

True strength comes from suffering with Christ, being hungry with Christ, and having many, many gifts without worshiping the gifts over the gift giver.

The hardest thing for a Christian is not getting or receiving the blessing, but not needing the blessing to be okay.

Like Paul, when God withholds the blessing we really wanted, we should realize, "Maybe I love the blessing more than the blesser."

In this way, we can repent and appreciate that God is not even condemning us, but exposing what our hearts are truly leaning on.

He does this so that we can be free and have a true relationship with our Lord.

The reason He does this is also because if we only have peace when we get things our way, then our way has become our God.

Here's how to be thankful no matter the circumstance:

1. Think about all the things God blessed you with.

From the breath in your lungs, your ability to walk and be healthy, the food in your mouth, and the clothes on your back.

Many people didn't wake up today, and many more will be starving today as well.

We must understand that there are so many people who would trade places with us right now.

2. Ask God to give you the heart of gratitude.

In all things, God wants to provide, and that includes the heart of gratitude.

Because of our fallen nature, we tend to complain more than appreciate.

God knows that about us, which is why He wants us to seek Him in all things.

This is the perfect time to bring all of your wants and needs to God.

There's no need to be ashamed, because He already knows our hearts.

3. Recognize that you already have the most precious blessing in the world.

That blessing that came down from heaven is Jesus Christ.

Instead of just having the comfort, we actually have the true Comforter.

Take a second to just let that sink in.

Jesus died for us before we even asked Him for anything, and definitely before we were even grateful for Him.

God is also a teacher, and just as Paul said he had to learn, God is also teaching you the skill of gratitude and happiness.

PRAYER

Father God, I've been letting my peace depend on whether my circumstances change.

I keep looking at what I don't have, and I forget how much You've already given me.

Thank You for the breath in my lungs and for giving me Jesus before I ever knew how to ask for Him.

Today I choose to be thankful right where I am.

Teach me the contentment Paul learned.

Help me desire good things without letting those desires take Your place in my heart.

In Jesus' mighty name we pray. Amen.