Gratitude is the heart of prayer.
A sense of gratitude is a sign that we’ve reached, by God’s grace and a little effort on our part too perhaps, the healing state.St. Paul reminds us to thank God in all circumstances. “Rejoice always,17 pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This means we are called to thank him even, and perhaps especially, during the negative things that present themselves in our lives. Thank God and praise Him, not for the problem, but for God’s grace and power to deal with the problem. For through our faith and our trust, “we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
What are your problems on the physical level? Chronic pain, disease, others? What are your problems on the emotional level? Feelings of hurt, anger, fear, guilt, shame, resentment, etc.? What are your problems on the spiritual level? Lack of faith, severe doubt, despair, anger with God? What’s going on in your life that’s making you say, “This is killing me!” First, be careful what you say. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue… .” Proverbs 18:21 Second, it seems counter-intuitive to thank God in the midst of severe problems and pain caused by this fallen world, but St. Paul also encourages us in Romans 12:2: “do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Thank God for His love, grace, power and healing in all, including your worst problems! Yes, thank Him over and over again. Then begin to renew your mind through the Word of God. God’s power is released in our lives through our faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” -Romans 10:17 In faith, release the power and glory of our Lord to begin the healing you need. While dealing with your problems, God molds you closer to the life He has for you in His will. Your old-self dies, and you are transformed closer to the person He wants you to become. Yes, gratitude and praise even while dealing with our worst problems, helps to transform us into Christ! The seed needs to die to become a flower.
In being transformed in our mind, becoming stronger in our faith, we can begin healing and be grateful for God and His blessings in the circumstances we find ourselves. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul states, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” We need to die to whom we think we are, to what we think our life should look like, to our plans, etc. This dying is for our good and happiness even though it does not feel so good. God always brings the best of things out of the worst of things. Witness the Resurrection and healing and forgiveness that God brought out of even our sin, our killing Him! Witness the “bad “ in your life over the years and ask yourself, “What good did God bring from that?”
Thank Him not just for what you think is good in your life but for His love and grace in all things. Do that, and watch what happens!
What a wonderful God we have!
