Challenge 4: Gratitude and Joy

Five Challenges of Faith (Part 4)

by Brandon Jubar

Jesus did more than simply teach. He did more than lead by example. Jesus of Nazareth caused people to experience faith -- some, perhaps, for the very first time. In a religious culture that had deteriorated to the point where "faith" had become nothing more than a list of rules and regulations, the life, teachings and parables of Jesus truly rocked their world. Even today, we are challenged by the teachings of Christ. In this fourth article in the series, we will discuss another such distinct challenge.

It's Hard to Let Go

At first glance, gratitude and joy may not seem that challenging under certain circumstances. After all, how difficult is it to be grateful and happy if life is going well? In fact, most people can manage to be grateful and happy even if life is simply "okay". But the state of our lives is rarely what causes us trouble. What makes gratitude and joy challenging is our own need for control and credit. We want to be in charge of our lives and our destinies. And we want to receive the credit when good things happen.

However, when we leave behind our pretentious ways and let go of our need to receive credit, praise and accolades, then we can truly experience gratitude and joy. Gratitude and joy seem to thrive if we are able to let go of our need to have control over the world around us. It is not a sign of weakness when we let people do things for us. On the contrary, it takes a great deal of strength to let go.

The Spirit Grants Us Gifts

Throughout the scripture, when people would abandon themselves to God and trust in Him (and then experience His trustworthiness), they were overwhelmed by a feeling of peace, gratitude and joy. Once they let go and let God, life wasn't so burdensome. They were grateful for all that they had, realizing that everything is a gift and they are joyful because of it.

When I'm writing articles, I often find myself up against tight deadlines. At times, writing an editorial is as painful as passing a gall stone, and the results are about as pleasant. But on other occasions, I sit down at my computer and the words just seem to flow. I type as fast as I can and when I'm done there are almost no edits needed. Unlike the gall stone piece, the final product is a work to be proud of. And therein lies the problem. I sometimes end up patting myself on the back instead of being grateful that the Holy Spirit inspired me. If I trust God to guide my thoughts and words, I must then follow-up by feeling gratitude and joy -- not pride.

Do You Accept the Challenge?

Gratitude and joy may seem to come easier for some people, but we all need to understand that in order to feel truly grateful for the gifts that God has given us, we must set aside our pride and our need to be in control. We must open our hearts and forget about getting praise and focus on giving praise... to the Lord. Once we learn to do that -- and then allow ourselves to do that -- only then will we know what it truly means to be joyous.

Life Applications:

What would cause you to struggle with being grateful?
Do you think it was easy for Jesus' followers to give up there need for praise and recognition?
How does this Gospel message challenge you?

Copyright 2008 by Brandon Jubar
All rights reserved.