 Debbie Przybyiski shares that the Duke of Wellington was a great British military leader who regretted that he had not learned the secret of praise during his lifetime. He accomplished many things, even defeating Napoleon at Waterloo. He was a brilliant and demanding man and when he was older, he realized that there were areas in his life that needed to change. In his old age, when asked by a woman, “What would you do differently if you had your life to live over again?” he thought carefully and replied, “I would give more praise.” I suspect many of us might say that.
A great lesson for all of us to learn or be reminded of at Thanksgiving is to be a person of praise and thankfulness all the days of our lives. In Psalm 116:17 David said, “I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.” Let each of us seek to have an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving. Here are some ways to put this attitude into practice every day: Don’t allow yourself to complain about anything. During the difficult times, be careful to watch your tongue (Ephesians 4:29). Instead of complaining, think of ways you can verbally offer God thanksgiving. Stop comparing yourself with others. Don’t wish that your life was different. God knows what is best. The Bible says having a thankful heart is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we begin to thank God for what we have rather than comparing ourselves with others, we see how blessed we really are. Thank and praise God for everything in your life. Thank Him for even the difficulties. It’s a sacrifice to do this. But He can turn troubles to triumph. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). If you desire to make God smile, then offer him praise and thanks. When you share your enjoyment with God by giving Him praise, your own heart fills with joy. Working together to win together in this season of Thanksgiving, Tyler |