Be Grateful

September 17th, 2026

SCRIPTURE: “And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant.” Jonah 4:6

In as much as we see trials all about us, troubles inward and outward, sin seeming to abound, there is the grace of gratitude. For a moment, Jonah was content with the plant God prepared to give him comfort. What relief has God raised up for you in your time of discomfort, misery, sorrow? Did that reprieve bring about a lasting contentment? Or like Jonah did you return to a spirit of disappointment? Contentment is a form or gratitude-the one who practices it appreciates where they are and asks for nothing more or less. Oh, to be grateful, Lord.

The vicissitudes of life are but a test and the goal of this test is for us to be conformed in the image of Christ. Do you hate tests? Most of us do. Just seeing the word “test” provokes anxiety, but “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7); incites fear, but “God has not given you a spirit of fear but of love power and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7); and causes temporary amnesia, but “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:” (Psalm 103:2).

These three, anxiety, fear, and forgetfulness-ones Jonah clearly experienced- are just responses to God approved, or God allowed trials and they are the antithesis of gratitude. Through the Refiners fire God seeks to draw off this dross of imperfection and create a heart of gratitude, thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 100). Be grateful, when trials come, God is after something and we’re right where we’re supposed to be.

PRAYER: Jesus, I thank You for the tests and trials. Even though they are uncomfortable, You know all things pertaining to me. You desire truth in the inward parts, a walk that is well pleasing to You, and for me to look more like You! Help me to embrace, possess, and display an attitude of gratitude, even when things in life are contrary to what I thought they should be.
By Sis. Paula Smith