“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. - Hebrews 4:2
Unthankfulness will lead you to the hardness of heart and unbelief, which will limit what God can do through you and for you. This is the hard lesson learned by most of the nation of Israel that wandered in the desert for 40 years.
When we feel like we're wandering, barely having our needs met, it may be due to unbelief. You have enough faith, but maybe you have too much complaining and unthankfulness clouding your heart from seeing God's path of provision.
Oftentimes, a lack of gratitude is the effect of holding on to our baggage from the past. The holidays are upon us. If you grew up in a home where the fighting and stress increased, you might still have difficulty enjoying the holidays today.
The way out is to cultivate thankfulness to the degree that new memories and experiences overwrite the triggers from the past. It's hard at the moment to choose a new state of mind when the present triggers pain from the past, but if you can choose gratitude ahead of time, your heart and mind will be prepared to not only respond well but have new automatic responses of joy.
In this week's message, I try to lighten the mood with some jokes about my past but also take a serious look at the effects of unthankfulness. I pray this message strengthens and prepares you for a joyful holiday season.
