By Dr Alex Tang
The Melody of a Thankful Heart
Gratitude is much more than a fleeting emotion. It’s a deeply rooted attitude and spiritual discipline that, when practised consistently, can transform our lives and our relationship with God. The Bible offers numerous insights on gratitude, emphasising its power and importance in our spiritual journey.
Understanding Gratitude in Depth
Gratitude, in its essence, isn’t merely a spontaneous feeling that comes and goes with the ebb and flow of life’s events. It’s a profound understanding and acknowledgement of the countless blessings and gifts that encompass our lives, both the overtly visible and the subtle. In the spiritual context, it becomes even more profound. It’s not just about recognising these gifts but understanding that they are lovingly orchestrated by a divine hand.
Being grateful, especially in the spiritual realm, means recognising God’s ongoing work in our lives. It’s about discerning His love even in moments of adversity and understanding that challenges, too, come with purpose and grace. When Paul mentions in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances,” he’s shedding light on a pearl of higher wisdom. This isn’t a call to be thankful for misfortunes or heartaches. Instead, it’s an invitation to see beyond the immediate circumstances, recognising God’s overarching plan and the silver linings that often accompany the stormiest clouds.
For instance, when one faces hardship, the immediate emotion might be pain or confusion. However, by practising gratitude, we start seeing how these hardships shape our character, bring us closer to God, and often set the stage for future blessings. This kind of gratitude requires faith, patience, and a deep trust in God’s wisdom and timing.
What to Be Grateful About:
- God’s Unchanging Nature:“For I, the LORD, do not change.” – Malachi 3:6. No matter how tumultuous our personal lives become, God remains our constant, offering a steadfast foundation for our faith.
- Salvation:Thank God for the gift of salvation through Christ. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8. This is the eternal gift that goes beyond our earthly existence.
- Provision:Whether it’s food, shelter, or health, God provides for our needs. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19.
- Creation:The beauty of nature, every sunrise, flower, or gentle breeze, is a testament to God’s artistry and love.
- Family:The gift of family is invaluable. Through moments with spouses, children, and grandchildren, we experience God’s love and the beauty of lineage. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15.
- Friendships:These bonds are instruments of God’s love, guidance, and support. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17.
- Communities:From church groups to neighbourhoods, communities offer a sense of belonging and reflect God’s universal love. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25.
How to Be Grateful:
- Begin Each Day with Thanks:Start each morning by thanking God for the gift of a new day. “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
- Keep a Gratitude Journal:Documenting your blessings can offer a visual reminder of God’s presence in your life.
- Prayer:Incorporate gratitude into your daily prayers. Philippians 4:6 advises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Serve Others:Service shifts our focus from ourselves to others. It’s a humbling experience that can cultivate a grateful heart.
Experiencing Gratefulness Daily:
- Mindfulness:In your daily activities, take moments to pause and recognise the blessings around you.
- Express Your Thanks:Share your gratitude with others. It’s uplifting and serves as a testimony to God’s goodness.
- Immerse in the Word:The more we read the Bible, the more we see examples of God’s love and promises, leading us to a deeper sense of gratitude.
Incorporating gratitude into your spiritual discipline can be transformative. It realigns our focus from what we lack to the abundance God offers. As Colossians 3:15-17 states, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
May gratitude become a daily practice, bringing you closer to the heart of God.
About Dr Alex Tang
Dr Alex Tang was a senior consultant paediatrician at KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital, Johor Bahru and Associate Professor of Paediatrics Clinical School, Monash University. Presently he teaches practical theology at the Asia Graduate School of Theology Alliance (AGSTA), Seminari Theologi Malaysia(STM) in Malaysia, Bible College of Malaysia (BCM), and East Asia School of Theology (EAST) in Singapore. Alex is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Disability Ministry Asia (CDMA) in Singapore. He is an author, metaverse missionary, and preacher. He is an Elder in a Presbyterian church in Malaysia. More on his website www.kairos2.com
