In Psalm 34:1-7 King David presents a psalm of thankfulness. There is a story in I Samuel 21:10-15 where David was delivered from King Achish of Gath. David lives out his faith, which changes his attitude and leads to God blessing him.
In the passage, we see that David praises and blesses God. David has faith in God—not just head knowledge but heart knowledge. He says that even his soul has faith in God. His faith leads him to be humble.
This humbleness is because he needs God to work in his life. Even as King, David can’t control everything. His faith leads to a change in attitude. He praises God, boasts in Him, and magnifies Him. He has an attitude of gratitude.
This gratitude led to a change in results. Because of David’s humility and reliance on God, he says he is radiant, not ashamed, saved, and delivered. The attitude of faith to trust in God, which led him to gratefulness, has led him to be protected by God.
Now, this is not something we can manipulate. We can’t say we trust in God to get something out of Him. These results only come through a pure heart of gratefulness that comes from our souls.
Our faith and trust in God’s provision, or lack thereof, affect our attitude. An attitude of confidence and thankfulness leads to gratitude and thankfulness. An attitude of entitlement or unappreciativeness leads to envy, greed, and ingratitude.
Practical Application
Let’s consider some practical ways this plays out. Someone who believes they have enough material things will be content and enjoy what God has given them. Someone who believes they never have enough will end up spending beyond their means and being saddled by debt.
A person who believes all their relationships are a gift from God will be pleasant to be around and probably attract more friends. On the other hand, someone who thinks they deserve more friends will be unpleasant and have fewer relationships.
Someone content with all of life will have peace. Those who believe God hasn’t given them enough or that they deserve more will end up having stress, angst, and be bothered, and may even end up being robbed of sleep at night as they stew about these things.
What To Do with Ungratefulness
What can someone do if they find themselves in a place of ungratefulness of heart? First, confess to God your discontentment. Second, repent of being ungrateful to God. Third, start focusing on what God has given you. Fourth, ask him to change your soul so that you may find joy in the gifts He has given you.
Think About It
Are you grateful and content?
Do you see all that you have as from God Himself?
Do you see how there are consequences to becoming ungrateful?
If not, are you willing to repent, confess, and appreciate what God has given you?