Gratitude: A Weapon of Victory

Active SpiritualityThe Christian life is war. You have enemies both within and without. Some of these enemies appear larger than life. They dominate your thoughts when you wake and when you sleep. They are your Goliaths. However, they are pretend giants. They appear to have control, but they have no control over God and his ability to care for you. These pretend power players can never keep you from loving and following God. They may be able to overturn our plans, but they are powerless to stop God’s care for us. When you are confronted by your fears, the enemies of your soul, remember David’s to someone who thought he was in control:

“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

This is the ultimate and the most practical reason to live a life of gratitude. The battle is the Lord’s. 

Circumstances are not an indication of God’s care. The sure work of Christ is our reason for confidence. Thus, Paul encourages each of us to inhabit an emotional framework of constant gratitude. God gives us our next breath. Through Christ, he has removed the stain of our sin. We have unhindered access to the Lord of the Universe.

Today we fight with different weapons than David did 3,000 years ago.  These weapons are more powerful. They are the weapons of the Spirit. Gratitude is one of these weapons.

Gratitude enables praise.

Gratitude destroys self-pity.

Gratitude is not compatible with envy.

Gratitude softens grief.

Gratitude is the fuel of joy.

Gratitude is the soil that grows humility,

Gratitude protects against sexual sin.

Gratitude deepens your awareness of God.

Gratitude is the soul of worship.

Gratitude opens your eyes to grace.

Gratitude repels pride.

Gratitude is God’s will for you in Christ.

Gratitude replaces your judgmental spirit.

Gratitude calls you to serve instead of being served.

Gratitude is the enemy of greed.

Gratitude challenges you to love others instead of yourself.

Gratitude will lead you to love Jesus more deeply.

Gratitude is the path of victory.

Shepherd Press