Keeping an attitude of gratitude might be a challenge with all the possible unfavourable and out-of-control circumstances that we might face, but it's not entirely impossible. Several people in the Bible are proof that we can be grateful even when we're challenged to.
Here are some people in the Bible who are great examples of keeping an attitude of gratitude.
1. Paul
One of the Bible's greatest encouragers and instructors, Paul was a man who faced various trials and tests even to the point of death.
In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul said, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed."
This is the same Paul who said in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
How about that?
2. James
James, a half-brother of the Lord Jesus and a leader in the early church, was also a man who kept an attitude of gratitude. He saw troubles and tests as a way to grow in the Lord, and thus a great opportunity. Here's what he said about that:
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." (James 1:2-4)
This man possessed a remarkable joy which he attempted to pass on to other believers. Here are some more of his encouragements:
"Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honoured them." (James 1:9)
"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation." (James 1:12)
"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." (James 1:17)
Pretty joyful man, don't you think?
3. Jesus
Oh yes, the Son of God who had to endure the greatest suffering of all time. Jesus experienced far greater pain than any man has had and will have. In fact, we will never be able to fully comprehend the depths of His pain for our sakes.
He left His throne in heaven and came to filthy earth to rescue us.
He was God, yet did not consider equality with God as something to grasp; Rather He chose to serve us.
He had no sin, yet He took all the punishment that was for our sins.
He died on the cross a man who was ridiculed, shamed, betrayed, mocked, hated, despised, and maligned – yet without fault.
Yet, "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith ... for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (see Hebrews 12:2)
He had the greatest joy ever: fulfilling the Father's will to rescue all men. He's the greatest example of a man who had a grateful attitude – one that honoured what God had sent Him to do without complaining.
