Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.—Henri Frederic Amiel
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what you don’t have instead of being grateful for what you do have? It’s amazing how our society is geared towards constantly wanting more, always pursuing the next big thing and never being content with what we already have. We’re bombarded with ads that make us feel like we’re missing out on something, or worse yet, that we’re not enough.
The truth is, you already have everything you’ll ever need in life. The concept of need and lack are just illusions. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, God has provided for us everything that pertains to life and godliness. So why do so many people feel like they need more?
Our society is driven by greed and consumption, but the cure for this constant state of wanting is gratitude. When we focus on what we already have and show appreciation for it, we unlock abundance and contentment. Being grateful for what you have opens up a million doors to more – more love, more happiness, more opportunities to give, and more fulfillment.
It’s easy to think that we need more than we actually do, especially when we’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we’re lacking. But living in an eternal space of gratitude and appreciation for what we already have is the answer to finding true satisfaction and happiness in life. When we declare that we need this or that, we disconnect ourselves from our creator and suggest that he hasn’t already provided for us.
I remember when one of my children became unhealthily obsessed with what she didn’t have. Her friends would constantly highlight what she was missing out on, and in time, it led to a major decline in her life. If only she had stayed in a state of gratitude for what she did have, her life might have turned out differently.
Gratitude is the key to unlocking abundance and contentment in life. When we focus on what we already have and express appreciation for it, we invite more good things into our lives. So the next time you find yourself focusing on what you don’t have, remember that you already have everything you need. Show gratitude for what you have, and watch as more good things come your way.
Dr. Aaron Lewis July 14, 2023