Key Scriptures 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:5-6.

Attitude and Gratitude.

• Gratitude truly is the best attitude that someone can have.
• When we are able to see our lives through God’s will and our relationship with Him, we can have a thankful attitude, even when it seems like we have no reason to at the moment.
• It comes not from some confession or visualization, but from a faith and peace in knowing God.

Paul emphasized gratitude.

• Paul emphasized gratitude when talking about prayer in Philippians 4:6.
• The context of chapter 4 deals with prayer, anxiety, suffering, and hope.
• Paul wants believers to be thankful in prayer, knowing that all good things come from God.
• Paul emphasized thankfulness in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
• This is easy to read, but difficult to model.
• Quote: “We need to recognize that seeming aggravations are but a temporary part of a larger plan for our spiritual well-being. Out of this perspective we can always discern a cause for thanks.” Robert Thomas.

Application.

• Sometimes life stinks.
• It's hard to be thankful when times are difficult.
• It's hard because it isn't a natural reaction for us to have.
• Our relationship with God can always help us find gratitude.
• It can be hard to be thankful during tough times, but God wants us to give thanks in all things because He ultimately brings about good.