An Attitude of Gratitude

Week 38, Tuesday

Leigh Lowery

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! . . . Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:4,8

What do you think about more than anything else? Whatever occupies your mind the most is a stronghold. Taking every thought captive, as Paul tells us to do in 2 Corinthians 10:5, and thinking only positive, lovely thoughts, as he admonishes us to do in Philippians, seems totally impossible, doesn’t it? However, “impossible” is not in God’s vocabulary. In fact, our God loves to take situations that seem impossible to us and give us victory. He even adds power to our point of weakness.

My psychologist brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Lowery, often says our minds are like a computer. A computer has a delete key and an escape key on its keyboard. God gives us the ability to choose our thoughts and even erase negative ones as a means of escape. How incredible! It makes sense that since God made us, He knows how to “run” us.

A fun way to teach yourself to start thinking grateful, thankful, pure, and lovely thoughts is to find a little notebook you can carry in your handbag. Label it “Little Things That Make Me Big-Time Happy.” Then start writing down everything that makes you happy. My list has things like daughters, new lip gloss, an unexpected call from a friend, Sonic cherry limeades, clean sheets, geraniums on the porch, and singing loudly in the car with the windows rolled down. I could have listed hundreds more, but the point is that as you start making your list, you will see God in so many little but impressive things.

After I gave all of our ministers’ wives a little “happy notebook,” my eight-year-old granddaughter wanted one of her own. I loved watching her make her first entries. In fact, I could add that to my list! Our heavenly Father is just as delighted when we show gratitude for the everyday blessings He provides for us.

Heavenly Father, I see You everywhere in Your fabulous creation. I realize my “happy list” will never end because Your blessings are infinite. I choose to erase my negative, sinful thoughts. Help me today to think only thoughts that will honor You and bless others. Amen.