Gratitude and Brandon Lake: 2 Ways

“That same heart of gratitude, when lived out in front of our children, strengthens their relationship with the Lord.”

“give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 CSB

I’m sure many of you are familiar with Brandon Lake, but if not, I’m positive you’ve heard his music, or some of the music from when he was with Bethel Music and Maverick City Music.  One of his popular songs is titled “Gratitude”.  Ok, now I know you are all singing it in your head. (it’s all good, sing it out, momma).  I think part of this song’s popularity, beyond the beautiful voice of a man-bun wearing vocalist, is that it points out what we so easily understand about gratitude and the importance of demonstrating a heart of gratitude toward the Father. We simply cannot have a relationship with the ever powerful and almighty God of all without recognizing the need to express gratitude, not only for the provision of our Father, but for the gift we received in the life and death of our savior Jesus Christ.  

And as the song goes, 

“'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah

Hallelujah

And I know it's not much

But I've nothing else fit for a King

Except for a heart singing hallelujah”

Now that’s good, right?. And it’s true, but this side of gratitude, dare I say, is the easy side of gratitude. But, just like Brandon Lake, gratitude comes in 2 ways. There is a harder, grittier, side to gratitude that Paul describes in this verse. To “give thanks in everything”, we must demonstrate a grateful heart, but not just in worship of our God who saved us when we were unworthy. We are called to be grateful in the hardship, the valley, and dark seasons that come our way. When we start to wonder, “where are you in this storm, Lord?”, the Word tells us to lean in to Him. To fall at His feet, and worship with a grateful heart.  

And as for Brandon Lake? His song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” puts it this way.  

“I'll bring my hard-fought heartfelt

Been-through-hell hallelujah

I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail

Story to tell hallelujah

God, You've been patient

God, You've been gracious

Faithful whatever I'm feeling or facing

So I'll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt

It is well hallelujah”

And that my friends, is easy to say when someone else is going through something hard.  But what does it look like when you are going through something hard? Do you start with a grateful heart that leads your prayer in worship?

Starting with a heart of gratitude, as we are called to do, even further strengthens our relationship with the Lord. That same heart of gratitude, when lived out in front of our children, strengthens their relationship with the Lord. 

Action Step:

• Practice. Just like any skill, develop a practice starting from a place of gratitude in all things. Those little eyes and ears are watching. 

Written by Kelsey, mom of 2

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