Are you grateful? – Day 2

Have you watched a boxing match recently? The boxers dance around each other and the moment one of them throws a good punch, the opponent staggers, trying to keep his balance. In our minds, we too have a boxing match happening each day. The one boxer’s name is Gratitude, the other, Dissatisfaction.

Dissatisfaction gets the upper hand when we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and becoming dissatisfied with what we have. We then start to desire a bigger house, a fancier car, a more romantic husband, a thinner posture, a better wife or a better job. While there is nothing wrong with setting healthy goals for things you would like to acquire in the future, the core question remains: Are you satisfied with what you currently have and where you are in your life? If not, chances are good that you will neither be happy nor satisfied when you do acquire those things that you desire.

Gratitude, on the other hand, throws a good punch when you deliberately remind yourself of everything and everyone in your life for which you can be thankful – and you keep on thanking God for that.

In 1 Peter 5:8 we read: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The enemy accomplishes it by planting thoughts in our minds to compare ourselves with others – knowing that if we fall short, we might feel bad about ourselves. In Romans 12:2 we read: “And 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.”

One of the best ways for Gratitude to fight back when Dissatisfaction throws a punch, is to be aware of what goes on in your mind. With the realisation that you are comparing yourself to others, you can immediately stop it by purposefully being thankful. For example, your friend tells you about a romantic outing her husband took her on. You also like outings, but your husband is not romantic. Instead of blaming him, you can remind yourself that at least he is loyal to you and that he helps you with the children. Or you might hate your work. Instead of complaining, remind yourself that many unemployed people would give anything for a job – even yours!

Who is currently the leader in your match – Gratitude or Dissatisfaction? Let us recognise the struggle and fight it the right way, so that we can ensure that Gratitude, under a loud applause and with hands in the air, will be announced the winner! God bless.

What are you grateful for? Three readers are grateful for the following:

Talana Westvig: “In the last few years, the Lord has led my son to him. He also brought my husband back safely to our family, and uplifted us from bankruptcy and shame to a place of victory. We are currently buying our own house, we both have fantastic jobs and our family is back together. I praise and thank God for his grace and blessings.”

Katrien van der Merwe: “I am grateful that the Father has been using me since February 2013 as an instrument to preach the gospel on the island of Koh Phangang in Thailand. I am grateful for every blessing from his hand.”

Henk du Plessis: “Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful rain that fell during the rainy season to wash away the sadness and suffering of the drought. I pray for your grace upon every drought-stricken area where rain is much needed. Thank you, Lord, for my health, family, marriage, daughter and for every breath. Thank you that I am yours.”