The Salt of Gratitude

A little boy said, "Salt is what spoils potatoes when it is left out." Using the same kind of negative definition, we can say, "Gratitude is what spoils life when it is left out." A disposition of continual thankfulness comes from an unshakable confidence in GOD's wisdom, power and goodness no matter what our circumstances may be, people who posses the quality of gratitude may be poor in this world's goods, but they are truly rich Spiritually.

Some of the most grateful people I know have few material possessions and little money in their bank accounts. A character in one of 'Charles Dickens' stories remarks, "My not knowing at one meal where I shall get the next is a great help to thankfulness."

Riches, on the other hand can be a handicap. A wealthy woman told her doctor she was frustrated by a restless desire to accumulate more and more things. He replied, "These are the usual symptoms of too much ease in the home and too little gratitude in the heart."

No matter what your circumstances, count your blessings. Psalm 105 reminds us, "Give thanks to the LORD...remember HIS marvellous works" (v-1,5). The salt of gratitude helps to make all of life taste better.

Now thank we all our GOD
With hearts and hands and voices
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom HIS world rejoices. - Rinkart

A GOOD ATTITUDE BEGINS WITH GRATITUDE TO GOD.

DO YOU LOVE ATTENTION?

I am poor and needy, Yet the LORD thinks about me. Psalm 40:17

Years ago I heard an amusing story. A young man stood up in the crowded room and loudly said, “Excuse me, everybody! Excuse me! Could I please have your attention?” The noisy chatter stopped and everyone’s eyes turned around him. At that point, the young man grinned and said, “Thank you! I just love attention” and then he sat down.

This story reminds that while some people love the spotlight, all of us have legitimate needs, and only GOD can be totally attentive to them. HE alone has complete knowledge of us. In Psalm 139:1, David linked GOD’s attentiveness with HIS knowledge, and he personalized them in these words, “O LORD, You have searched me and known me.” Then he rejoiced in the realization that GOD was intimately acquainted with him and gave attention to everything about him – his actions, thoughts, and words (v. 2-4). GOD had designed him, created him and determined how long he will live. (v. 13-16). David concluded with this burst of praise: “How precious are YOUR thoughts to me O GOD!” (v. 17). GOD’s attentiveness is constant. Whenever you feel that nobody cares about you, meditate on Psalm 139 and be satisfied with GOD’S attention.

Whatever we do, wherever we go,
There’s nothing we could mention
That GOD is unacquainted with,
HE always pays attention!

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD
HE NEVER TAKES HIS EYES OFF YOU.