Gratitude as Our Shield

The Bible has a lot to say about giving thanks to God, even when times are not good. God is the source of life and he loves his people. When times are tough, many people abandon God, blame him, or ignore him. Worse, we can become ungrateful and shape a worldview that believes everything and everyone is against us. But this often is not reality. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”

It’s true that, if we take honest inventory, most of us receive more than we give. His point is that only with gratitude can life become rich. Paul wrote to the Philippians from jail and said, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. . . The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV).

Indeed, gratitude is seen as a shield, given by God himself. We should continually give thanks, continually pray, and allow God to shield our hearts and minds from the worries and struggles of this life. God is a good God and blesses us. It’s difficult to be patient in times of trouble but don’t give up! Continue to be grateful and pray!