As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of how challenging it is at times to express gratitude even though there is so much for which to be grateful. Instead, it seems to be human nature to complain and find fault! James said it best: “...no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)
At times, I feel this powerlessness James refers to in my own struggle to control what I say. I believe that our tongue is untamable because words are simply an expression of fruit growing from a bitter root in the heart. If bitterness is in our heart, it will be reflected in our speech!
Giving thanks and praising God can stop the flow of ‘dirty water’ pouring from our mouths. However, if our hearts are contaminated, thankfulness dissipates quickly. Gratitude will soon be replaced by negativity once again.
This Thanksgiving, if you are having difficulty with gratitude, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, consider humbling yourself and asking for help. Find a compassionate person who can come alongside to find and remove the poisoned arrows of past hurts which have penetrated your heart. Cynicism, mistrust, and lack of joy often point to wounds that have not been healed.
Forgiveness is the antidote for the arrow’s poison, and, once counteracted, the bitterness that took root can no longer survive. Then, as you learn to tune your tongue into the dimension of praise, you will be able to freely express thanksgiving, the true gratitude that flows naturally from “rivers of living water” in your heart.
Together, let’s ask God for His help:
Lord Jesus, we ask that you would “create in us a clean heart” so that what we say reflects the transformation of our heart-condition. May words of thanksgiving flow abundantly as we drink from the “stream of Your pleasure”. Amen.
Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless ~ Deb :-)
Please feel free to comment below as you thoughts are always appreciated!