Episode 295: "Thanksgiving and Gratitude - Strength for today!"

SELDI Podcast with Tony Williams

Greetings, Leaders.

Every day presents us with the opportunity to respond with "An attitude of gratitude."

Great leaders develop the mindset of gratitude early in their life and career journey. King David, a great king, journals his thanksgiving, gratitude, and dependence on God for everything he has accomplished in life and his career.

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1

How could King David accomplish so much and win many battles on his life and career journey?

He shares this insight to his success.

"I will bless the LORD has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night." Psalm 16:7

David focuses on God to give him counsel. He remembers all the marvelous accomplishments and God's faithfulness to him with gratitude.

David begins his days seeking the help of God.

"In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning, I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch." King David - Psalm 5:3

What are you most thankful for as you reflect on your life and career journey today?

Take time to get alone with pen and paper and write down the things, turning points, people, and events that were breakthrough moments in your life.

When you do this exercise, you will discover a recurring process in making you who you are.

Like David, you will begin to discern many of the wonders of God and His help to you on your life and career journey.

"I will give You thanks with all my heart;

I will sing Your praises before the gods.

I will bow down toward Your holy temple

And give thanks to Your name for Your mercy and Your truth;

For You have made Your word great according to all Your name.

On the day I called, You answered me;

You made me bold with strength in my soul." King David - Psalm 138:1-3

Here are some of the benefits.

1. The attitude of gratitude protects us from pride. Remembering the people who helped you and encouraged you to "stay the course" in adversity. We understand that our success was only possible with their support.

2. The attitude of gratitude preserves us from falling victim to traps along our journey. Sometimes, the mistaken belief is that my success is only through "my" hard work, skills, talents, and abilities. Notice the emphasis is on self and not others or recognizing time and circumstances providentially designed for us.

3. The attitude of gratitude gives us perspective in living and leading. Being thankful helps us see life and events more clearly and respond to challenges, opportunities, and outcomes.

4. The attitude of gratitude prepares us for promotion in living and leading.

Thanksgiving positions us for transformation in renewing our thinking, perspective, and outlook for our future.

Be thankful and believe that the best is yet to come.

Victory!