It’s been happening slowly but over these past few weeks, the darkness has been settling in earlier. The darkness causes us to think it is later than in actuality. I find myself wondering how had I missed the progression of the darkness until now?
Have you ever noticed that we are not aware of how dark it is until the light is gone?
“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:21, NASB)
Romans 1:21 tells us something about this process.
The people whom Paul is speaking about knew God. Their problem was they were not glorifying Him as God. In other words, they would not worship Him as God.
In so doing, they were left without a god. The problem is humans are so wired by God that we must worship something. When we will not worship the true God, we will worship a false god, an idol.
This began the process in their hearts. Their thinking became foolish, as their thoughts about God became confused.
Their minds went dark. Their hearts became ungrateful.
“An unthankful heart eventually becomes dark.”
(Albert Lindsey).
Herein lies the importance of gratitude –
When hearts are thankful, we honor God
and keep His light burning inside of our hearts.
So may I ask, “What are you grateful for today?”
“The Christian life is not about frantic effort to manufacture results. Nor is it passive resignation. It is a cooperative resting—trusting Christ’s life within us..” I was encouraged by Amy Jung’s post, An Orchard of Grace (HERE). May we simply abide and let Him produce the fruit, in His time and in His way.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
*This is an edited post which first appeared HERE.
Photo by Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash
It’s so easy to take all God does for us for granted unless we make a deliberate effort to be grateful. Among other things, I’m thankful for answer to a specific prayer yesterday.
Yes, being grateful we honour God.
To answer your question Joanne, I’m grateful for many things especially our wondrous Saviour, Jesus.
And today I am grateful for sisters in the Lord (prayer group) who we can share & pray our concerns with which is such a blessing.
Blessings, Jennifer
Today I’m feeling especially grateful for a supportive and loving husband and for longtime friendships! I’m hosting a long weekend at the lake for six longtime friends and my hubby has been helping me prepare for it all! I’m so grateful to God for these enduring relationships and the love each brings to my life!
Grateful for joy, grateful for peace.
I’ve been noticing the dark creeping in earlier too. Since summer is my favorite season, I’m sad to see it go. But I do see the beauty in autumn as well. The cooler temps, the brilliant colors of change, the nesting in closer to each other as we prepare for another winter ahead. Grateful for all our seasons.
Such great thoughts, Joanne. This, “Have you ever noticed that we are not aware of how dark it is until the light is gone?” can be frightening when placed in a spiritual context. How often do we think we are right on track in our spiritual walk, until we realize we are standing in the dark?
Gratitude certainly keeps our hearts open, and our eyes properly fixed on truth and Light, and we can never have too much of that!
“An unthankful heart eventually becomes dark” – oh, how true and how so very sad. I am thankful for the challenges that draw me closer to Him. I am thankful for the cooling weather, the tiny tomatoes still blooming, and grandsons whose feet step over my doorsteps!
So goes along with my focus verse!
Focusing on God’s many gifts sure does lift the heart and turn on the light.
i love this post, Joanne! Gratitude has been a hugely important part of my recovery process. Focusing on what I am thankful for has helped me take my mind off the parts I can’t change. Even with a few lingering issues, I am so thankful for God’s protection, provision and healing these last six months. I’m also thankful for you and your faithful hosting of this linkup!