Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 126:5

INTRODUCTION

At its root, gratitude is a natural response that springs from the human heart when we come to a proper understanding of God and His ways. Therefore, opening our hearts to gratitude invites us to consider the numerous benefits that manifest in the lives of believers who cultivate thankfulness to God.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV).

I am not saying that you will like everything happening in your life, but in everything you are going through, you can find something for which to thank God. The tears you have cried do not mark the end of your life or your experiences. Sometimes, a person's greatest seeds are planted through tears. Those seeds will produce a great harvest of joy in due season, and those who sow them will shout for joy over their harvest (Psalm 126:5).

On the other hand, the enemy of our souls is always at work in the human mind, seeking to fill it with complaints, discouragement, fear, and discontent. He strives to make us believe that God has forsaken us and that we have no hope.

However, a grateful heart recognises that we are still here. We are still breathing. We are still hoping. Moreover, God's gracious presence remains in our lives.

This is why I encouraged you a few days ago to open your heart to gratitude this October. There is still something for which we can thank God!

1. GRATITUDE HELPS YOU RECOGNISE GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

Gratitude is beneficial because it helps us remember the many good things God has done for us in the past.

It is easy to focus only on the future and desire more blessings when we have already received so many. We have countless reasons to thank God, yet we often keep praying for tomorrow's needs while forgetting how faithfully He brought us through yesterday's challenges. Gratitude causes us to pause and say, "Lord, I remember."

Remember the doors He opened. Remember the battles He helped you overcome. Remember the times He provided for you when you did not know where help would come from. Remember the moments when God made a way, even when you could not imagine how He would do it.

These are the benefits of God that Psalm 103 reminds us to acknowledge and appreciate. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" (Psalm 103:2, NKJV).

Remembering God's benefits helps us face the present with hope, knowing that our current struggles are not greater than God.

Today's struggles can sometimes overshadow yesterday's wonderful experiences. However, by giving thanks for all God has done for us, we can hold on to our testimonies and press on through difficult times.

2. GRATITUDE CHANGES YOUR PERSPECTIVE IN DIFFICULT SEASONS

Life is not always a beautiful package, and things do not always work out as we would like. There are seasons of waiting, disappointment, uncertainty, and tears.

However, those tears and difficult experiences can become seeds for a future harvest of great joy. "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" (Psalm 126:5, ESV).

You can sow in tears and still reap with shouts of joy.

There are things God is working together for our good that we may not fully understand. Some prayers have yet to be answered. Some doors have yet to open, and some dreams have yet to become reality.

However, the absence of an immediate answer does not mean God is absent.

Gratitude teaches us to trust God while we wait.

As you seek answers to your prayers, do not become consumed by thoughts of why God has not answered yet. Instead, thank Him because you know He is at work.

Do not allow disappointment over unanswered prayers to control your life.

When we trust God with the outcome of a situation, we can surrender it to Him while continuing to fulfil our responsibilities. This is what faith looks like.

Therefore, although your tears may be part of the planting season, a harvest still lies ahead.

3. GRATITUDE POSITIONS YOUR HEART FOR JOY AND GREATER FAITH

Gratitude helps us recognise that what God has given us is often far greater than what we have lost.

A grateful person is not necessarily someone without problems. Rather, such a person acknowledges that life's challenges do not have to consume them.

When we practise gratitude, we begin to experience joy in new and meaningful ways.

As we give thanks for all God has done for us in the past and acknowledge the victories and breakthroughs He brings into our lives in the present, our joy begins to spring from a healthier perspective—our relationship with Him.

Paul instructed the Thessalonians to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NKJV).

Gratitude goes hand in hand with prayer.

Expressing gratitude in prayer helps us remember that the same God who helped us through the past can also guide us through the future.

This October, be careful not to allow complaints about your life to overshadow your gratitude.

Be mindful of moments when fear threatens to silence your worship of God.

Do not allow yesterday's disappointments to rob you of today's joy.

Finally, open your heart! Let gratitude flow through heartfelt thanksgiving to God.

CONCLUSION

October is here, and while this is a season of transformation, transition, and harvest, I want to encourage you to make gratitude a priority in your heart this month.

The truth is that you may not have everything you want, but you still have countless reasons to thank God.

Yes, God may not be answering your prayers right now. However, that does not mean He is unworthy of your trust. He remains faithful and worthy of your trust.

Even in your tears, God can plant seeds that will eventually produce a harvest of joy in your life.

It may have been a difficult season, but you have made it this far, and God has graciously been with you every step of the way!

The enemy does not want you to thank God for all He has done. Instead, he wants you to complain continually and forget God's goodness in your life.

But remember:

Your life is not over yet. Your harvest is not lost. Your joy is not gone!

Therefore, thank God for the many blessings He brings your way, and let your gratitude become a testimony of His goodness in your life.

REFLECTION

Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:

1. What are three things God has done for me that I sometimes take for granted?

2. Are my current trials overshadowing the great things God has done for me in the past?

3. What can I intentionally thank God for this October?

4. What tears am I currently sowing that I need to trust God to turn into a harvest of joy?

5. How can I become a channel of gratitude and blessing to others this month?

God is good! Even when all is not well, we can still thank Him for who He is. He is always good!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for life and for all the good things You have given me—Your mercy, grace, protection, provision, and love.

Thank You for this month of October and for the opportunity to experience another month on earth.

Open my eyes and heart to recognise the many reasons I have to give thanks.

Remove every spirit of complaining, discouragement, fear, and dissatisfaction from my life so that I may continually recognise Your goodness.

Give me the grace to remember Your faithfulness and trust You during seasons of waiting.

Strengthen me in times of sorrow, and enable me to sow in tears with the confidence that I shall also reap in joy.

May my heart remain filled with gratitude, and may my life continually testify to Your goodness and faithfulness.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

John Aderogba

For ROPMI