The Art And Science Of Gratitude

   1. The Scourge of Adversity. Also referred to as ‘The University of Hard Knocks’ or ‘The University of Adversity’ maybe we should learn not to take such a dim view of adversity. I think it was Charles Spurgeon who has said that, provided we prevailed, God was able to redeem times, tears and trouble; even when four days late (as with the death of Lazarus) He could still be in time.

2. Quotes on Suffering & Insecurity. “A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.” [Dale Carnegie]. “The more you do, the more you fail. The more you fail, the more you learn. The more you learn, the better you get.”  [John Maxwell]. “If your God is mighty enough to ignite the sun, could it be that He is mighty enough to light your path? Stay strong! Your test will become your test-imony, your mess will become your mess-age.” [Max Lucado]. “If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. If it is worth having, it is worth waiting for. If it is worth attaining, it is worth fighting for. If it is worth experiencing, it is worth putting aside time for.” [Oscar Wilde].

3. The Tragedy of Selfishness. Sometimes we can be so self-absorbed in our problems, adversity and suffering that we completely forget the pain of those around us. Wrote Martin Niemöller:

“First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me.”

[Martin Niemöller, 1892-1984]

4. Jesus Christ & Gratitude. Jesus never forgot to say ‘thank you’. The Bible says:

►“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” [Matthew11:25]. 

►“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves … And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” [Luke22:17,19]..

►”And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.”  [John6:11].

►“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” [John11:41].  

5. The Apostle Paul & Gratitude.  The Apostle Paul admonishes believers to be grateful:

►“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place … Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” [2Corinthians-2:14; 9:15].

►“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Ephesians5:20]. 

6. Gratitude on Death Row. Some say that the song of the parakeet in a cage is the sweetest and most melodious of all birds. Languishing on death row on a charge of homicide (manslaughter) and probably expecting to be executed (however reprieved after four years in prison) the prolific South African writer, Herman Charles Bosman (1905-1951) once wrote:  

“Tho’ my heart  is bruised and riven;

Tho’ my soul is scathed with scars –

Yet I’ve touched the fringe of heaven …

I’ve lived among the stars!”

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