July 29, 2023

THERE ARE SOME CAUSES FOR ONE TO LOSE A GRATEFUL HEART:

1. FAILURE TO INTERPRET A BAD EVENT, SITUATION, AND CONDITION WITH A POSITIVE MEANING.

They fail to see from a different angle or position. As a result, the focus of their attention is only on the bad things, even though there are so many good things around them that they pay no attention to. The world managed to mold them to pay attention to bad things.

For example, it is easier for us to remember one bad thing than a thousand good things he has done. That was the result of this world’s mold. It’s also easier for us to remember one bad event than a thousand good ones. Now is the time for us to dismantle the world’s mold with the principles of the truth of God’s Word!

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

If we already know that the end result is good and beautiful, why aren’t we grateful from now on? It’s better to be grateful than grumbling, because being grateful will always add strength that enables us to live life without ‘depressing burdens’.

2. NEVER FEEL SATISFIED

Suddenly I saw a human being held by the scruff of the neck, then forced to kneel, and forced to drink from a river. His face was sunk into the river until it was hard to breathe. Occasionally lifted up, then quickly put back. And so on until he died of exhaustion.

The Holy Spirit explains the meaning of the vision: These are the people who are being molded by this world, so they think that their satisfaction in life lies in outward things. As with money, property, and objects, and various positions. They think that the richer a person is, the happier he will be. So, their eyes are constantly ‘forced’ to pursue external things that make them ‘drink the water of this world’. As a result, they can never be ‘satisfied’.

John 4:13 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again.

Unsurprisingly, they are getting closer to the abyss of death, because they are ‘drinking the water of death’ (perishable). When we focus on external things, it is difficult for us to be grateful. We always feel something is missing in our lives.

For that, focus on eternal things, pursue the knowledge of God, and continue to live only from His Word and Spirit then thanksgiving will always flow from within us.

3. INPUT DETERMINES OUTPUT

What we hear and see determines what we think and do. If we keep hearing scary things and various things that don’t add to divinity, then of course our output will appear grumble. So, if we often think about the things of the Spirit, it will be easier for us to be grateful.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

4. ALWAYS LOOK ‘UP’, NOT LOOK ‘DOWN’.

If we realize, there are many people whose lives are very difficult, there are also those who are very seriously ill, and there are also those who have extremely complicated problems. If we are still alive and still don’t lack anything, is it difficult for us to be grateful? Even they are able to give thanks without the ‘Holy Spirit’ to strengthen them. Is it difficult for us who are accompanied by the Holy Spirit to be grateful and rejoice?

I have learned to interpret life and not hesitate to ‘learn how to enjoy the beauty of life from simple people’. They can do it, why can’t we? Isn’t our God the source of peace and joy? If giving thanks is already a difficult thing to do, the condition of this world will be even darker.

I want to learn to see the reality of life that exists. It is not in our place as believers that it is difficult to be grateful. At least every day we need to be grateful for His real presence upon us. The grace is actually enough for us to walk in joy and gratitude every day.

This is what makes us distinguished because the inclination of our heart is different from other men. We so appreciate the reality of God more than anything else and are able to be grateful in all circumstances. Amen!

Ps. Steven Augustinus

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