by Eddie Lyons
There is something about our fallen nature that grabs hold of criticism and lets it occupy our meditation while the encouragement of a word of praise easily slips away. One of the most important practices to stay resilient and positive is practicing gratitude.
The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of gratitude. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:15-17 how important it is:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Even in the secular world the science of gratitude is pretty powerful. Derrick Carpenter, who runs corporate leadership programs and trains U.S. Army personnel on resilience, says: “The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.”
I am grateful for the Baptist Bible Fellowship. Our local churches are able to come together to educate future leaders, send missionaries, and plant churches. I am grateful for those who serve our Fellowship entities. I thank God for allowing us to have a part in His story of the ages.